FC Barcelona Femení continues their commanding presence in women’s football despite unprecedented squad challenges, with the Spanish giants leading Liga F and preparing for another Champions League campaign under fresh tactical guidance.
Financial Turbulence Reshapes Europe’s Finest
Barcelona Femení enters the 2025-26 campaign with just 17 first-team players, marking one of the most challenging periods in the club’s recent history. The unprecedented squad reduction stems from the club’s broader financial difficulties, with reports indicating the women’s team requires nearly €1 million to balance their accounts.
The summer exodus proved particularly damaging for the defending Liga F champions. Swedish winger Fridolina Rolfö, who started in the previous Champions League final, departed for Manchester United as a free agent. England goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck joined Aston Villa, whilst Norwegian midfielder Ingrid Engen transferred to OL Lyonnes. The departure of 23-year-old Spanish defender Jana Fernández to London City Lionesses further weakened the squad depth.
These departures occurred despite Barcelona’s remarkable success, having secured six consecutive Liga F titles and three Champions League trophies in the past five years. The club’s financial model intertwines all sporting divisions, meaning the men’s team’s €1 billion debt directly impacts the women’s squad.
Putellas Remains Loyal Despite PSG Advances
Captain Alexia Putellas faced intense speculation during the final days of the transfer window when Paris Saint-Germain expressed willingness to trigger her €1 million release clause. The French club reportedly offered a four-year contract with significantly higher wages than her current Barcelona deal.
However, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner remained committed to the Catalan club where she has made over 450 appearances since returning from Levante in 2012. Sources close to the player indicated her determination to rectify last season’s Champions League final disappointment against Arsenal.
Putellas’s contract expires in summer 2026, alongside several key teammates including Mapi León, Salma Paralluelo, Clàudia Pina, Caroline Graham Hansen, Cata Coll and Ona Batlle. The club faces mounting pressure to secure competitive contract renewals whilst managing financial constraints.
Pina Emerges as Goal-Scoring Phenomenon
Clàudia Pina has transformed into Barcelona’s most prolific striker, scoring her second hat-trick in four Liga F matches during the 5-0 victory over Sevilla. The 24-year-old forward finished as the Champions League’s top scorer last season with 10 goals, including crucial strikes in the semi-final victories over Chelsea.
Her remarkable form continues into the current campaign, with the Spanish international netting 24 goals across all competitions in 2024-25. Pina’s clinical finishing and technical ability have established her as one of Europe’s most dangerous forwards, with her performances drawing comparisons to the club’s legendary attacking traditions.
The Catalan-born striker joined Barcelona’s youth system from Espanyol in 2013 before making her senior debut in 2018 at just 16 years old. Her development exemplifies the club’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent despite recent financial pressures.
Champions League Format Presents New Challenges
Barcelona enters the revamped Champions League format as one of nine teams automatically qualifying for the 18-team league phase. The new Swiss-system structure requires each team to play six different opponents, with the top four advancing directly to the quarter-finals.
Their league phase fixtures include challenging encounters against Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Roma, Benfica, OH Leuven and Paris FC. The increased competitiveness of the format demands greater squad depth, making Barcelona’s reduced roster particularly concerning for manager Pere Romeu.
The tournament’s expansion to 18 teams and introduction of knockout phase play-offs for teams finishing fifth to twelfth creates additional pressure on clubs with limited squads. Barcelona’s historic dominance faces its sternest test under these new conditions.
Romeu Maintains Calm Amidst Squad Limitations
Head coach Pere Romeu, who succeeded Jonatan Giráldez following last season’s domestic treble, faces unprecedented challenges with his reduced squad. The former assistant coach has emphasised tactical flexibility and youth development to compensate for numerical disadvantages.
“I’m happy with the squad I have,” Romeu stated firmly, whilst acknowledging the need for injury-free campaigns. His coaching philosophy focuses on maintaining Barcelona’s possession-based style whilst adapting to individual player strengths, particularly the aerial threat of Polish striker Ewa Pajor.
Early season results suggest Romeu’s approach is succeeding, with Barcelona maintaining their perfect Liga F record and impressive goal-scoring statistics. The team’s 25 goals scored and single goal conceded in four league matches demonstrates their continued attacking prowess despite personnel changes.
Liga F Dominance Continues Unabated
Barcelona sits atop Liga F with maximum points from their opening four fixtures, outscoring opponents 25-1. Their goal difference of +24 reflects the gulf in quality between the Catalan giants and their domestic rivals.
The season opener against Alhama delivered an emphatic 8-0 victory, with Pina securing a hat-trick. Subsequent victories over Athletic Club, Sevilla, and Real Betis have maintained their scoring momentum whilst defensive solidity remains intact.
Atlético Madrid trails Barcelona by two points despite their own strong start to the campaign. The Madrid club’s ability to challenge Barcelona’s domestic supremacy depends largely on their consistency throughout the demanding season ahead.
Youth Academy Provides Hope
The integration of academy graduates Clara Serrajordi and Aïcha Cámara into the first-team squad demonstrates Barcelona’s continued faith in La Masia’s production line. Both players received official squad numbers following the transfer window closure, providing vital depth for Romeu’s tactical plans.
Seventeen-year-old Clara Serrajordi has already featured in competitive matches, showcasing the seamless transition from youth to senior football that defines Barcelona’s developmental model. The midfielder’s promotion reflects the club’s necessity to utilise all available resources during this challenging period.
The youth academy’s contribution becomes increasingly crucial as Barcelona navigates multiple competitions with reduced squad numbers. Historical precedent suggests these young players could develop into key contributors, following the pathway established by current stars like Pina and Aitana Bonmatí.
International Recognition Continues
Aitana Bonmatí secured her second consecutive Ballon d’Or award in 2024, extending Barcelona’s dominance of women’s football’s most prestigious individual honour. The midfielder’s achievements alongside Putellas have provided four successive Ballon d’Or winners for the Catalan club.
Bonmatí’s performances throughout 2024-25 included crucial goals in major finals and consistent excellence across all competitions. Her 19 goals and 18 assists during the Champions League-winning campaign demonstrated her complete midfield mastery.
The continued international recognition validates Barcelona’s developmental approach and tactical sophistication despite recent structural challenges. Seven Barcelona players represented Spain in their Euro 2025 final appearance, highlighting the club’s influence on international football.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many players does Barcelona Femení currently have in their first-team squad?
A: Barcelona Femení currently has 17 registered first-team players for the 2025-26 season, following significant departures due to financial constraints.
Q: Who are the key players Barcelona lost during the 2025 transfer window?
A: Barcelona lost several key players including Fridolina Rolfö (Manchester United), Ingrid Engen (OL Lyonnes), Ellie Roebuck (Aston Villa), and Jana Fernández (London City Lionesses).
Q: What is the new Champions League format for 2025-26?
A: The Champions League now features an 18-team league phase where each team plays six different opponents. The top four qualify directly for quarter-finals, whilst teams 5-12 contest knockout play-offs.
Q: How has Clàudia Pina performed this season?
A: Pina has scored multiple hat-tricks in Liga F and was the Champions League’s top scorer last season with 10 goals. She has established herself as Barcelona’s most prolific forward.
Q: Who is Barcelona’s current head coach?
A: Pere Romeu leads Barcelona Femení after replacing Jonatan Giráldez. The former assistant coach has maintained the club’s winning momentum despite squad limitations.
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