OL’s 2024-25 season review 📝

OneFootball

·22 maggio 2025

OL’s 2024-25 season review 📝

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.

A look back at a season full of twists and turns for Olympique Lyonnais.

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The big issue of the season ⚠️

It's not easy to pick out just one issue from Lyon's season, as it was a rollercoaster ride. But it was on the morning of January 27 that the 2024/2025 season took a dramatic turn...

Savior of OL last season, Pierre Sage was sacked by his president John Textor. A decision that was highly contested by the fans, who were still grateful for the feat achieved by the 46-year-old coach.

The American businessman had already expressed his desire to install a proven coach on the OL bench, and it was Paulo Fonseca, freshly sacked by AC Milan, who was chosen for the role.

The balance in France 📝

On the national stage, the balance is mixed. OL oscillates between very good and very bad, but rarely does anything in between.

The arrival of Fonseca gave OL a new boost, as evidenced by the great victories against Nice, Lille, Auxerre, and Rennes.

However, the season of the Gones is especially marked by terrible disappointments. Jonathan Rowe's goal (OM) in the 95th minute during the first Olympico of the season, the defeat in the derby at Geoffroy Guichard, the disappointment against RC Lens that sealed the hopes of the Champions League...

Sixth in the final standings, the Lyonnais will play in the Europa Conference League or Europa League qualification playoff, depending on the outcome of the Coupe de France final between Paris Saint-Germain and Stade de Reims. Another year without the Champions League in Lyon...

The balance in Europe 📝

Sixth is also the position where OL finished in the Europa League group stage, eliminating FC Steaua Bucarest in the round of 16. One might consider OL's European campaign as rather successful. One might... if it were separable from the "trauma of Old Trafford".

In a historic match, OL, who led 4-2 in the 113th minute, was finally caught up and defeated by a Harry Maguire goal in the final moments. MU 5-4 OL, Paulo Fonseca's players will not experience the semifinals of a competition where they clearly had the potential to achieve something great...

📸 Carl Recine - 2025 Getty Images

They delivered 🤩

Rayan Cherki, who was close to leaving last summer, has finally become the offensive leader of his lifelong club. Co-top assist provider in Ligue 1, top assist provider in the Europa League, the young international has just been rewarded for his excellent season, being called up to the French national team by Didier Deschamps!

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Corentin Tolisso also stood out in the Lyon dressing room. Criticized since a disappointing 23/24 season, the former Bayern player has completely reversed the trend. Less injured, more sharp than ever, the Lyon vice-captain has established himself as one of the best players in Ligue 1.

Lucas Perri, unbeatable on his line, has also contributed to Lyon's successes, as has Nicolas Tagliafico, who has been consistently reliable.

They raised questions 🤔

At the end of the season, many Lyon players have a mixed record, starting with Moussa Niakhaté. Bought at a high price to become the boss of the defense, the Senegalese player often went through crucial matches unnoticed.

On his side, Jordan Veretout, who arrived as a joker in September 2024, never managed to impose himself.

Maxence Caqueret and Saïd Benrahma, considered strong elements of the dressing room at the beginning of the season, ultimately disappointed, to the point of leaving the club in the winter transfer market.

Summer 2025 ☀️

Whoever can anticipate the Lyon transfer market will be very clever! Faced with huge financial difficulties, the Rhone club is more than ever under the threat of relegation to Ligue 2.

Moreover, if OL managed to stay in the top flight, it would be complicated for them to keep their best players. Cherki, Fofana, and Almada will not lack suitors, while Lacazette and Tagliafico, both out of contract, will no longer be Lyon players next August. Important departures to compensate, but how to do it if OL is again banned from recruiting?

You'll have understood, the future is more uncertain than ever between the Rhone and Saône.