OL Lyonnes: Olympique Lyonnais Women’s Team Rebrands in Historic Move
May 20, 2025 — LYON, FRANCE – In a bold and symbolic step forward, Olympique Lyonnais Féminin, the most decorated women’s football club in the world, has officially rebranded as OL Lyonnes, marking a new era in women’s football under the leadership of majority owner Michele Kang.
The rebranding was unveiled on May 19, with Kang announcing the club’s evolution as a part of a strategic vision to redefine standards in the women’s game.
A Name That Reflects Identity and Heritage
The club stated that the name “OL Lyonnes” pays homage to their deep connection with Lyon and their proud membership within the OL (Olympique Lyonnais) family. The subtle shift from “Lyonnais” to “Lyonnes” is more than just a linguistic update—it reinforces the team’s all-female identity, drawing from the French word “lionnes,” meaning “lionesses.”
“This transformation is not just a new name or logo—it’s about reshaping the landscape of women’s football worldwide,” said Kang. “We’re setting out to establish a new global benchmark for excellence, investment, and ambition.”
New Era, New Home: Groupama Stadium
Starting in the 2025–26 season, OL Lyonnes will host all home matches at the Groupama Stadium, a 59,000+ capacity venue previously reserved for the men’s team. This marks a significant milestone for the women’s game, signaling equality of access to top-tier facilities and visibility.
By moving to one of France’s premier football stadiums, OL Lyonnes continues to lead the charge in raising the profile of women’s football both domestically and internationally.
Legacy of Excellence
With a record-breaking eight UEFA Women’s Champions League titles and 18 domestic league titles, OL Lyonnes are no strangers to dominance on the field. This rebrand comes on the heels of their latest championship victory in the French Division 1 Féminine, reaffirming their status as a powerhouse in the sport.
A new club logo will also debut alongside the name change in the 2025–26 season, further marking the dawn of a new identity rooted in both legacy and future ambition.
A Message to the World
The announcement was met with global praise from fans and players alike, signaling that this is more than a marketing decision—it’s a movement.
“We’re not just changing a name. We’re changing the game,” Kang emphasized. “This is a message to young girls everywhere: women’s football deserves the spotlight, the investment, and the celebration.”