Lyon is experiencing a remarkable resurgence under the guidance of Portuguese manager Paulo Fonseca, a story punctuated by a recent 13-game winning streak and a climb into contention for Champions League qualification. The turnaround is particularly striking given the club’s precarious financial situation last summer, which initially threatened relegation to Ligue 2.
Fonseca, age 52, took the helm at Lyon in , inheriting a club grappling with significant debt and a bloated wage structure. The DNGC, French football’s financial watchdog, initially relegated Lyon in June , but the decision was overturned on appeal the following month, albeit with strict financial controls imposed on the club’s spending.
The constraints forced a significant overhaul of the squad. Key players were sold, including Rayan Cherki to Manchester City, Lucas Perri to Leeds United and Georges Mikautadze to Villarreal. Despite the departures, Fonseca has instilled a winning mentality and tactical flexibility that has propelled Lyon up the Ligue 1 table.
As of , Lyon sits third in Ligue 1, seven points behind leaders Lens and six behind Paris Saint-Germain. Their recent form – 10 wins in 13 games – has been a key factor in their ascent. They also topped their Europa League group, finishing above Aston Villa on goal difference, and are preparing for a Coupe de France quarter-final against Lens on .
Fonseca’s journey to Lyon is a testament to his extensive and varied managerial career. He began coaching in 2005, working his way through the Portuguese ranks with clubs like Paços Ferreira (in two separate spells), Porto, and Braga. A successful stint at Shakhtar Donetsk (2016-2019) yielded three Ukrainian Premier League titles, while his time at Roma (2019-2021) saw him compete in Serie A.
More recently, Fonseca managed Lille (2022-2024) before a brief period with AC Milan in . He has openly expressed a belief that he “deserved more time” at AC Milan, a sentiment shared in a recent interview with The Athletic. His contract with Lyon extends until , indicating the club’s faith in his long-term project.
Fonseca’s preferred formation is 4-2-3-1, a tactical setup that has allowed Lyon to balance defensive solidity with attacking flair. His average tenure at a club is 1.37 years, suggesting a pattern of building projects and moving on, though his current contract with Lyon suggests a desire for a more sustained period of leadership.
The manager’s career began as a player, a central defender who represented several Portuguese clubs, including Leça, Belenenses, Marítimo, Vitória de Guimarães, and Estrela da Amadora, amassing 111 Primeira Liga appearances and three goals over seven seasons. He transitioned into coaching with Estrela Amadora’s youth setup in 2005, before progressing through the lower tiers of Portuguese football.
The current success at Lyon is particularly noteworthy considering the club’s initial relegation threat. Winning the appeal to remain in Ligue 1 was a crucial turning point, but Fonseca’s ability to rebuild a competitive squad under financial constraints has been the driving force behind their remarkable season. The emotional scenes following their recent victories, including Fonseca waving a Lyon scarf in front of the fans, underscore the connection he has forged with the supporters and the renewed optimism surrounding the club.
Fonseca’s past achievements include winning the Taça de Portugal with Braga in 2015-16, further highlighting his ability to deliver silverware. His current challenge at Lyon, however, may prove to be his most significant yet, given the complex circumstances he inherited and the club’s ambition to return to its former glory.
