The night before facing Paris FC in the top-tier league final, players from Olympique Lyonnais Women’s Team reflected on the European disappointment that still lingers—mixed with frustration, raw emotion, and a shared determination to bounce back.

voices from the heart of the locker room

Wendie Renard, the team’s captain, admitted the defeat in the Champions League final remains a tough pill to swallow. Yet, as a seasoned professional, she emphasized the need to move forward. “It’s undeniable that the aftermath has been painful. But we’re professionals, and we have a duty to press on. What’s done is done—there’s no changing it now.” She also acknowledged the collective disappointment that weighs on every player in the squad: “As captain, I carry that disappointment too, but it’s not just me—every single person in this team feels it.” Despite the emotional weight, Renard expressed the team’s resolve to recover swiftly: “Yes, we’re going through a tough moment right now, but our only focus is to get back on track as quickly as possible.”

Jonatan Giráldez, the head coach, echoed similar sentiments. The first days after the final were marked by heavy hearts, he said, as months of preparation culminated in a heartbreaking result. “The first day back after the match was heavy. We’d trained relentlessly with one goal in mind, and the outcome was devastating.” The Spanish tactician, however, believes the scoreline didn’t reflect the team’s true performance: “I stand by the fact that my players didn’t deserve to lose like that.” Understanding the psychological toll of such a loss, he stressed the urgency of regaining mental strength: “It’s natural to feel the weight of defeat, but we have no choice—we must pick ourselves up within two to three days.”

Lindsey Horan, visibly moved during her address, shared her deep sadness over the final’s outcome, especially as it coincided with what would be her last match in a Lyon jersey. “It’s incredibly hard for me to process.” Though the disappointment in Oslo runs deep, she refused to reduce the entire season to this single game: “I don’t regret how the year unfolded—it was special in so many ways.” With strong ties to the club and her teammates, she now hopes to end her Lyon chapter on a high note, with one final trophy in front of the Groupama Stadium faithful.

a season to remember, a future to reclaim

With the shattered dream of Champions League glory still fresh, the Lyon Women’s Team is now turning its attention to securing another domestic title before the season concludes.