The wait is over for OL Lyonnes, the most decorated club in Women’s Champions League history, as they prepare to face the FC Barcelona in yet another high-stakes final. With eight titles to their name, the French side has dominated European women’s football for over a decade. Yet, the past four years without lifting the trophy have felt like an eternity for a club built to conquer.
Since 2018, Barcelona has emerged as OL Lyonnes’ most formidable adversary, reaching six consecutive finals (excluding the COVID-affected year) and securing three victories (2021, 2023, 2024). Their paths have crossed twice in the final: in 2022, when Lyon claimed their last title, and again in 2024, when Barcelona emerged triumphant. Now, as these two powerhouses prepare to meet once more—this Saturday, May 23, at 6:00 PM in Oslo, Norway—the clash promises to be nothing short of a titanic showdown.
OL Lyonnes aims for historic quadruple with Champions League glory
Under the guidance of former Barcelona manager Jonatan Giráldez, OL Lyonnes is on a mission to achieve an unprecedented quadruple. After securing the Coupe de la Ligue on March 14 and the Coupe de France on May 10, the team has its sights set on two more titles: the Women’s Champions League and the Arkema Première Ligue, with the latter awaiting them on May 29 at the Groupama Stadium against Paris FC.
“Reaching four finals was our goal, and we’ve done it. Now, we’re chasing all four trophies. We want to send a message to Europe—show them we’re here, we’re growing stronger, and we want to make France proud.”
This sentiment resonates deeply within the squad. Selma Bacha, the 25-year-old full-back, embodies the team’s determination, while captain Wendie Renard—already a 41-trophy legend at Lyon—emphasizes the stakes: “We’re writing history, crafting something extraordinary. But only victory will make it matter, because history only remembers winners.”
Melchie Dumornay, the 22-year-old playmaker fresh off two recent Player of the Season awards, adds: “We have a group of exceptional talent. Winning trophies is what defines us, and we’re determined to prove ourselves after our last clash with Barcelona.”
A ninth Champions League title would further cement Lyon’s European dominance. Ada Hegerberg, the first female Ballon d’Or winner in 2018, reflects on the club’s enduring legacy: “Outsiders may think it’s easy for us to win, but it’s never been effortless. It’s remarkable we’re back in the final after a coaching change and the departure of so many club legends. I’ve always believed Lyon is the best place to win titles.”
Oslo final holds special meaning for Lyon’s Norwegian stars
Beyond the trophies and statistics, this final carries personal significance for Lyon’s Norwegian contingent—Ada Hegerberg and Ingrid Engen—who see it as a chance to shine in their homeland. For Hegerberg, a 12-year Lyon veteran, the moment is about showcasing the club’s brilliance to her native Norway: “I can’t wait to return with my team, to introduce our stars like Wendie Renard to the Norwegian people. She’s one of the greatest players in women’s football history, and I want them to see her class, her greatness.”
The opportunity to inspire young Norwegian footballers is not lost on Engen, who joined Lyon from Barcelona in the summer of 2025: “Playing in Norway is incredibly special. Ada and I felt a huge responsibility to make this happen in our home country, in a stadium where we’ve both played for our national team.”
For Lyon supporters unable to travel to Oslo, the match will be broadcast live on a giant screen at Terreaux Square, marking the club’s first-ever dedicated fan zone in their history.
