Olympique Lyonnais

Origin (1899–1950) In 1899, a football club named Olympique de Lyon was formed within the multi-sport club, Lyon Olympique Universitaire, originally formed in 1896 as Racing Club de Lyon. During the early years of the club, the football section was often overshadowed by then-local rivals, FC Lyon. Following numerous internal disagreements regarding the cohabitation of amateurs and professionals within the club, then-manager of the club Félix Louot and his entourage contemplated forming their own club. Following months of meetings, Louot's plans came to fruition when a final meeting of around twenty people took place on 23 May 1950 in Café Neuf in the city's main square, Place Bellecour. During this meeting, the name Olympique Lyonnais was decided for the new club, as well as the club's colours of red and blue. Among the twenty people were Albert Trillat, credited with the club's name and colours, as well as Armand Groslevin, who would become the club's first president. Days later on 26 May, Lyon-based newspaper, Le Progrès reported that the club had officially been formed.

Early success (1950–1987)

On 27 August 1950, the club played its first official match under manager Oscar Heisserer, defeating CA Paris-Charenton 3–0 in front of 3,000 supporters, with Lyon's first goal being scored within the first forty seconds of the match. The majority of the players in Lyon's squad had previously played for Lyon Olympique Universitaire. In just the club's second year of…

Lyon has won Ligue 1 seven times, which ranks sixth in French football history. Lyon has the distinction of starting a national record-breaking streak of seven successive titles beginning with the 2001–02 season. The club has also been crowned champions of Ligue 2 three times, won five Coupe de France titles, one Coupe de la Ligue title and eight Trophée des Champions. Though the club is a regular participant in the UEFA Champions League, they have only reached as far as the semi-finals, which was accomplished during the 2009–10 and 2019–20 seasons. Lyon has won the UEFA Intertoto Cup, achieving this honour in 1997.

Domestic

League

Ligue 1 Winners (7): 2001–02, 2002–03, 2003–04, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08 Runners-up (5): 1994–95, 2000–01, 2009–10, 2014–15, 2015–16 Ligue 2 Winners (3): 1950–51, 1953–54, 1988–89

Cups

Coupe de France Winners (5): 1963–64, 1966–67, 1972–73, 2007–08, 2011–12 Runners-up (4): 1962–63, 1970–71, 1975–76, 2023–24 Coupe de la Ligue Winners (1): 2000–01 Runners-up (5): 1995–96, 2006–07, 2011–12, 2013–14, 2019–20 Trophée des Champions Winners (8): 1973, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2012 Runners-up (4): 1967, 2008, 2015, 2016

International competitions

UEFA Intertoto Cup Winners (1): 1997