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Olympique Lyonnais

Olympique Lyonnais (OL), commonly called Lyon, is a French professional football club based in Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Olympique Lyonnais (OL), commonly called Lyon, is a French professional football club based in Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Founded in 1950, the men’s team plays in Ligue 1 and is one of the most successful clubs in French football history, known especially for its run of seven consecutive league titles in the 2000s. Canadian readers may know Olympique Lyonnais through UEFA competitions, international transfers, and the club’s profile as one of France’s major football institutions.

History

Olympique Lyonnais was founded in 1950, although its origins are commonly traced back to earlier football activity in Lyon dating to 1899. The club rose to prominence in French football in the early 2000s and won seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles from 2002 to 2008, a French league record.

Stadium and identity

The men’s team plays at Parc Olympique Lyonnais, also known commercially as Groupama Stadium, in Décines-Charpieu, near Lyon. The stadium has a capacity of 59,186. The club’s colours are white, red and blue, and its nicknames include Lyon, OL, and Les Gones.

Honours

Lyon’s honours include seven Ligue 1 titles, multiple Coupe de France wins, and several Trophée des Champions victories. The club has also had success in lower divisions and in European competition.

European competition

Olympique Lyonnais has been a regular participant in UEFA competitions, especially the UEFA Champions League. Its best Champions League results include semi-final runs in the 2009–10 and 2019–20 seasons.

Key facts

  • The club was founded in 1950, though origins trace to 1899.
  • Lyon won seven straight Ligue 1 titles from 2002 to 2008.
  • Its home stadium is Parc Olympique Lyonnais (Groupama Stadium).
  • The women’s team is among Europe’s most successful.
  • The club has reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2009–10 and 2019–20.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may know Olympique Lyonnais through UEFA competitions, international transfers, and the club’s profile as one of France’s major football institutions.

Frequently asked questions

What is Olympique Lyonnais?
Olympique Lyonnais is a French professional football club based in Lyon, best known for its men’s team in Ligue 1 and its domestic success in the 2000s.
When was Olympique Lyonnais founded?
The club was founded in 1950.
What is Lyon’s home stadium?
Its home stadium is Parc Olympique Lyonnais, commercially known as Groupama Stadium.
How many Ligue 1 titles has Lyon won?
Lyon has won seven Ligue 1 titles, all in consecutive seasons from 2002 to 2008.
What are Lyon’s nicknames?
Common nicknames include Lyon, OL, and Les Gones.
Does Olympique Lyonnais have a women’s team?
Yes. Olympique Lyonnais also fields a women’s team, which has been highly successful in domestic and European competition.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympique_Lyonnais
    Supports: Founding date, club identity, league, stadium, capacity, colours, honours, and European record.
  2. Wikipedia (French) — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympique_lyonnais
    Supports: Current club details such as nickname, stadium, ownership, and women’s team context.
  3. Arsenal FC — https://www.arsenal.com/news/everything-you-need-know-about-lyon
    Supports: Founding date, seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles, and historical rise in French football.