Barcelona Femeni defender and fan favorite, Mapi Leon, has extended her contract with the club until 2026. The club announced Mapi Leon’s extension immediately after the game against Rosengard, with the centre-back holding a shirt with her name and the year ‘2026’ on the back.
El millor 🎁 de Nadal. MAPI 2026 pic.twitter.com/7pwB28xzcT
— FC Barcelona Femení (@FCBfemeni) December 21, 2023
Maria Pilar Leon has been making headlines recently with her injury and rumors about her contract renewal with the club. The centre-back signed a contract that will keep her at the Estadi Johan Cryuff until 2026 and was congratulated by her colleagues when the announcement was made at the end of the match.
Renowned even more for her set-piece prowess than defensive capabilities, the Zaragoza-born defender has cemented her place as a fan favorite at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, with the fans often roaring a chant of her name during games.
The injured defender stated that she is very happy to continue at the club, and despite having to move around with crutches, she was still able to make the fans laugh during her announcement last night. The defender joked about not continuing at the club but finally decided to stay on as head coach, considering Jonatan Giraldez’s departure in the summer.
🗣 Mapi León to the fans: “Some news, I’m not going to continue. But with Jonatan Giráldez leaving, I’ve had a rethink and decided to stay on as coach. Just messing. I’ve renewed my contract until 2026 and am improving my Catalan for you (fans)!”
— Barça Femení (@BarcaFem) December 21, 2023
— @samuelmarsden pic.twitter.com/XRnZImMSq5
Although Mapi Leon is currently out of action for the Blaugrana after undergoing surgery for a knee injury sustained last month, the news of the 28-year-old’s extension is a good one for fans around the world, with the defender having been a key part of the team in recent years.
