Full Breakdown
Lindsey Heaps Reflects on Her Journey with OL Lyonnes and the State of Women's Football
2/11/2026, 4:05:58 AM
Dominance in the Première Ligue
Lindsey Heaps, captain of the OL Lyonnes and a veteran of the US women's national team, has played a pivotal role in her team's recent successes, including a 1-0 victory against Paris Saint-Germain and a 4-0 win over Saint-Étienne. These results have positioned Lyonnes 14 points ahead of second-placed Nantes, highlighting their dominance in the Première Ligue. However, Heaps expresses concern over the overall competitiveness of the league, stating, “It’s not competitive enough.” She contrasts this with the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States, where she believes any team can win on any given day.
Leadership and Cultural Exchange
Heaps, who has worn the No. 10 shirt for Lyonnes this season, emphasizes her role as a leader and a role model rather than a star. She credits her leadership style to observing figures like Wendie Renard and acknowledges the influence of her current manager, Jonatan Giráldez. Heaps appreciates Giráldez's competitive nature and his ability to challenge her intellect, stating, “I like a coach that can challenge my brain.” This dynamic fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the team.
The transition at Lyonnes, marked by a new name, logo, owner, and coach, has also been significant. Heaps praises Michele Kang, the new owner, for her commitment to elevating the team's standards, saying, “We’re lucky to have her.” This cultural exchange is reciprocal, as Heaps brings her "US mentality" to the team while forming deep connections with younger players, such as 18-year-old Lily Yohannes.
Pursuit of Excellence
Despite Lyonnes's domestic success, Heaps acknowledges that winning in Europe remains a challenge. The team has engaged in self-reflection to improve their performance in the UEFA Champions League, with Heaps noting the importance of teamwork: “You can have the best players in the world, but you need to come together as a team.” This collective mindset is crucial as they aim to reclaim their European crown.
Looking Ahead
As Heaps prepares to return to the NWSL with the new franchise in Denver, she reflects on her time in Lyon, where she has won the Olympics, the World Cup, and a Champions League title. “It’s been a second home for me,” she states, emphasizing the familial atmosphere of Lyonnes. With four months remaining in her tenure, Heaps is focused on winning everything, particularly the Champions League, which she describes as “the baby that you always want to win.”
In her final months, Heaps is determined to leave a lasting impact on the club that has shaped her career and to contribute to the ongoing evolution of women's football.
