María Pilar León Cebrián, widely recognized as Mapi León, is a distinguished Spanish professional footballer renowned for her exceptional skills as a defender. Currently playing for FC Barcelona in Liga F and the Spain national team, León has established herself as one of the leading figures in women’s football. Her career began at Prainsa Zaragoza, where she debuted in the Primera División at just 16 years old before moving to RCD Espanyol and Atlético Madrid, where she won her first league and Copa de la Reina titles.
In 2017, León made history as the first paid transfer in Spanish women’s football when she joined Barcelona for €50,000. Since then, she has been instrumental in the club’s success, contributing to four Copa de la Reina titles, three league championships, and two Supercopa Femenina victories. León played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s first UEFA Women’s Champions League triumph in 2021 and has participated in three Champions League finals, showcasing her talent on the European stage.
León’s international career with the Spain national team began in 2016, and she has since represented her country in major tournaments, including the UEFA Women’s Euro and FIFA Women’s World Cup. Notably, she captained Spain for the first time at the 2019 Algarve Cup and scored her first international goal in 2021. Her commitment to the national team has been unwavering, despite recent challenges regarding team conditions.
A versatile left-footed defender, León excels as both a left-back and center-back, known for her technical ability, passing, and aggressive playing style. Her contributions on the field have earned her numerous accolades, including selections to the UEFA Women’s Champions League Squad of the Season and recognition as part of FIFA’s FIFPRO Women’s World 11. Mapi León continues to be a formidable force in women’s football, inspiring future generations of athletes.