Season
30 May 2026
Dear OL Lyonnes Family,
Last Saturday’s Champions League final loss to Barcelona was truly devastating. My heart goes out to every one of you who came out with such hope and passion, and I know how deeply this hurts, both for our devoted fans and for the players who poured everything they had into this match.
This game was supposed to be our long-awaited revenge from the final two years ago, and a special, memorable final Champions League night for Lindsey as she heads back to the States. It simply didn’t unfold the way we had all dreamed and worked so hard for. I want you to know that I truly feel the weight of this disappointment with you.
Even in defeat, I was moved by the incredible heart, fight, and effort our players showed throughout the match and all season long. They left nothing on the pitch. This one stings deeply, and it’s completely okay to sit with that pain and sadness right now, your feelings are valid, and they reflect how much this team and this club mean to all of us.
I also want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. Your support this season has been unwavering. I’m especially thankful to the 1,000 dedicated supporters who made the journey with us to Oslo, and to the more than 3,000 of you who filled the Place des Terreaux in Lyon to watch and stand with the team. Your passion, energy, and loyalty mean more than you know ; you truly showed up for our players when it mattered.
We all understand that competing at the highest level isn’t always smooth or glamorous. There are nights like this, when things don’t go our way despite the tremendous work and sacrifice, where the pain feels especially sharp. What defines the greatest players and the strongest teams, however, is how they process these moments: feeling the disappointment fully, learning every lesson it has to offer, and rising again even stronger and more united.
We’ve witnessed our players respond with that same resilience before, and I believe with my whole heart that they will do so again. I could not be prouder of each and every one of them. I stand 100% behind this team, just as I know you do.
We still have one final game to finish this season strong and bring home the domestic title we’ve fought so hard for. Let’s close this chapter together with the pride, unity, and determination we know we’re capable of.
The journey is far from over. The best chapters are still ahead, and I’m genuinely excited to continue writing them with all of you.
Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart, for your incredible support, your passion, and your unwavering belief in our players. I sincerely appreciate each of you.
With deep gratitude,
Michele
