"Unexpected Decision": Lyon Coach moves to Lisbon

Paulo Fonseca leaves Olympique Lyon in the middle of a title race and returns to Portugal. Sporting pays around five million Euros for the coach.

Source text: © LAOLA1

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Coach Paulo Fonseca is surprisingly leaving French top club Olympique Lyon. The Portuguese is returning to his homeland and will take over Sporting Lisbon.

In a statement, the club speaks of an "unexpected decision". Fonseca was with Lyon in the midst of a title race: The team is just three points behind league leaders Paris Saint Germain in third place in Ligue 1.

5 Million Euro Transfer Fee

The 53-year-old took over Lyon in January 2025 and managed 83 games as coach of the French club. The Portuguese achieved an average of 1.83 points per match.

For the coach's release, Lyon will receive a transfer fee of around five million Euros, as confirmed by the club.

Now Fonseca is expected to lead Sporting back to the top. The team, which lost to LASK in the Champions League, is currently in third place in the Portuguese league, but already nine points behind league leaders Porto.