Paulo Fonseca: One of Lyon’s Best Coaches in Club History

Paulo Fonseca has become one of the most notable coaches in Lyon’s history. Initially criticized for late substitutions and his tactical approach, he is now gaining recognition for his achievements. His ability to translate ideas into tangible results is evident through impressive statistics.
Successful Streak in European Competitions
On October 23, 2025, Olympique Lyonnais secured a 2-0 victory against FC Basel in the UEFA Europa League. Goals from Corentin Tolisso and Afonso Moreira solidified this success. Since assuming his role, Fonseca has maintained an unbeaten record at the Groupama Stadium in European competitions, with 3 wins and 1 draw.
European Performance Overview
In total, under Fonseca’s leadership, Lyon has achieved significant success in Europe, boasting:
- 5 victories
- 1 draw
- 1 defeat
Impressive Victory Ratio
Fonseca joined Lyon at the beginning of 2025 and has managed the team in 29 matches. His record includes:
- 18 wins
- 1 draw
- 10 losses
This translates to a success rate of 63.3%, placing him third in the club’s history for the best win ratio. Only Gérard Houllier (63.9%) and Alain Perrin (63.6%) have better records.
Conclusion
Paulo Fonseca is establishing himself as a key figure in modern Olympique Lyonnais history. His evolving strategies and impressive performance statistics solidify his reputation as one of Lyon’s best coaches.




