OL Lyonnes: Aiming to Reclaim European Glory

On May 19, 2025, the Olympique Lyonnais women’s team officially rebranded as OL Lyonnes, adopting the mantra “New story, same legend.” Under the ownership of Michele Kang and the multi-club ownership group Kynisca, which also includes the Washington Spirit, OL Lyonnes aims to establish itself as a leading force in women's football. The club's ambitions were highlighted during their 1,000th match in the French women’s top division against Marseille on September 7, 2025. Sporting director Vincent Ponsot emphasized the goal of quickly winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League again, asserting that OL Lyonnes possesses the potential to be “the best team in the history of women’s football.”

The Guardian

OL Lyonnes is implementing a comprehensive strategy to enhance its visibility and performance. This includes playing at the Groupama Stadium, a modern venue that opened in 2016, which allows for greater exposure compared to previous suburban grounds. Despite being the leading team in France, attendance figures have been modest, averaging 5,528 spectators per match. Ponsot noted the challenge of engaging the men’s team’s fanbase, citing Arsenal as a successful model for dual support of both men's and women's matches.

The Guardian

To attract a broader audience, OL Lyonnes is employing innovative tactics such as giant foosball tables, face painting, and DJ sets during matches. Additionally, the club has partnered with the newly established French Women’s Professional Football League (LFFP) to ensure a balanced schedule that alternates home games with the men’s team.

The Guardian

Despite OL Lyonnes' ambitious plans, the club faces significant challenges within the broader context of women's football in France. Ponsot acknowledged that while the league structure and training facilities have improved since the establishment of the women’s league in 2024, there remains a substantial gap in promotion and commercialization efforts. The economic limitations and cultural attitudes towards women’s sports in France present ongoing obstacles to the club's aspirations.

The Guardian

Ponsot articulated the club's commitment to demonstrating that with equal resources, women’s teams can achieve comparable success to their male counterparts. He stated, “We want to demonstrate that if we give the players the same means as the men, we can achieve the same thing.” The club's future plans include the construction of a state-of-the-art training center in Mézieux and a purpose-built stadium, contingent on negotiations with the city council.

The Guardian

• “New story, same legend” — Michele Kang, Owner of OL Lyonnes

The Guardian

• “We absolutely want to win the Champions League again quickly,” — Vincent Ponsot, Sporting Director

The Guardian

• “If we don’t have stronger opposition at home, then when we play in the Champions League … the level keeps rising everywhere.” — Vincent Ponsot, Sporting Director

The Guardian

OL Lyonnes is poised to inject new momentum into the French women’s league, striving to elevate the competitiveness of domestic football while aiming for European success.

The Guardian