L'OL on FM26 - Renaissance of an Empire
July 2025: OL was TWO STEPS AWAY from administrative relegation due to financial issues. Michele Kang took over the presidency after the Textor crisis. Paulo Fonseca arrived, OL finished 4th in Ligue 1 (60 pts), qualified for Europa League. The Groupama Stadium celebrates its 10th anniversary. It's time to rebuild AN EMPIRE that dominated France for 7 years.
Why choose Lyon?
Because Olympique Lyonnais is THE CLUB OF CHAOS AND RENAISSANCE. 7 consecutive French league titles from 2002 to 2008, an academy that produced Benzema, Lacazette, Tolisso, Nabil Fekir. Then the fall, years of wandering, the Textor era that NEARLY ended in administrative relegation in 2025. Saved at the last moment by Michele Kang (president since June 2025), Paulo Fonseca on the bench (53 years old, 58% win rate), OL returns to European football with a respectable 4th place (60 pts). The Groupama Stadium (59,186 seats, 3rd largest in France) is one of the most beautiful modern stadiums. In FM26, you take charge of a wounded giant with an immense history to honor. A squad averaging 22.6 years old, players like Tyler Morton, Ruben Kluivert, Pavel Sulc. The academy remains LEGENDARY. The challenge: rebuild the real great Lyon team. The most fascinating project in Ligue 1.
The financial crisis: your advantage
Textor left massive debts. Michele Kang must rebuild with constraints. That's exactly what REAL FM managers love: a reconstruction challenge. The academy that produced Benzema, Lacazette, Tolisso, Fekir — several gems await you in the youth ranks.
Tactics: rebuild the Lyon DNA
Fonseca seeks a combination of technical possession football and modern intensity. Ideal formation for Lyon: a 4-3-3 with technical midfielders capable of holding possession under pressure. The academy is your SECRET WEAPON — scout aggressively, trust the youngsters, and several can become starters within 2-3 seasons. The Lyon model: develop + sell high + reinvest intelligently. Don't try to compete with PSG in the market — beat them with INTELLIGENCE. Derby matches against Saint-Étienne are your games of the year.
Realistic objectives
Season 1: finish top 3 and progress in Europa League. Seasons 2-3: return to the Champions League. Long term: recapture the dominance of 2002-2008. All while managing the financial constraints left by Textor. COMPLEX but FASCINATING mission.
Rebuilding Lyon is one of the most beautiful challenges in FM26. A club with a GLORIOUS past, a LEGENDARY academy, and fans who never forgot the Juninho years. Allez Lyon!