Olympique Lyonnais have announced that they are parting ways with coach Paulo Fonseca, despite a strong start to the Ligue 1 season. The club confirmed the separation in a statement on Wednesday, November 4. Fonseca is set to join Sporting Portugal, the club he has supported throughout his life, on a deal through 2030.
Lyon are third in the standings after nine rounds, a position they had not reached at this stage of a season since 2012-13. Fonseca’s final match in charge was Sunday’s 2-0 home win over Angers.
The 53-year-old had been Lyon’s coach since January 31, 2025, and was under contract until June 30, 2027. During his tenure, the team finished fourth in the league last season but failed to reach the Champions League league phase after losing a qualifying playoff to Turkey’s Fenerbahçe.
Sources: Le Monde Sport.