Les Gones: A Guide to Olympique Lyon’s Players

For Irish football fans, Olympique Lyonnais (often simply referred to as Lyon or Les Gones) holds a special place in recent memory. It was in Lyon, during the heady days of Euro 2016, that tens of thousands of the Green Army descended upon the city, creating an unforgettable atmosphere and cementing a bond between the Irish and the historic French club’s home

. More recently, the club was home to Cork native Jake O’Brien, whose towering performances in defence during the 2023-24 season made him a fan favourite before his £17 million move to Everton — a transfer that caught the attention of fans tracking odds on Irish players breaking into top European football.

While O’Brien has moved on to the Premier League, the 2025-26 season sees Lyon boasting a fascinating squad under the stewardship of manager Paulo Fonseca. For the Irish fan looking for a continental team to follow, or simply wanting to keep an eye on one of France’s most storied clubs, here is a comprehensive guide to the key players driving Olympique Lyonnais forward this season.

The British Isles Connection: Tyler Morton

With Jake O’Brien’s departure, Irish fans looking for a familiar connection can turn their attention to the midfield, where English talent Tyler Morton is making waves. Signed from Liverpool in the summer of 2025 for a reported £15 million, the 23-year-old defensive midfielder has quickly established himself in Ligue 1.

Morton, who gained valuable experience on loan at Blackburn Rovers and Hull City in the Championship, brings a composed passing range and tactical intelligence to the base of Lyon’s midfield. His transition to French football has been seamless, and his presence offers a compelling reason for fans of the English game to tune into Lyon’s fixtures.

The Veteran Core: Tolisso and Tagliafico

At the heart of the team is the captain, Corentin Tolisso. A product of the famed Lyon academy, Tolisso returned to his boyhood club in 2022 after a successful, trophy-laden spell with Bayern Munich. Now 31, the World Cup-winning midfielder dictates the tempo of the game. In the 2025-26 season, he has been in exceptional form, contributing significantly with both goals and assists from the centre of the park.

In defence, the experience is provided by Nicolás Tagliafico. The 33-year-old Argentine left-back, another World Cup winner, brings tenacity, defensive solidity, and a wealth of top-level experience. His leadership at the back is crucial for a team that blends youth with seasoned professionals.

The Defensive Wall: Moussa Niakhaté

Partnering in defence is a name familiar to followers of the Premier League: Moussa Niakhaté. The Senegalese international joined Lyon from Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2024, becoming the second most expensive signing in the club’s history.

Standing at 6 ft 3 in, Niakhaté provides the physical dominance and aerial ability that Lyon previously relied on Jake O’Brien for. Now serving as vice-captain, Niakhaté has become the undisputed leader of the backline, even chipping in with crucial goals, such as his penalty against Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League.

The Attacking Spark: Pavel Šulc and Endrick

The most exciting aspect of Lyon’s 2025-26 squad lies in their attacking options. The standout performer has been Czech attacking midfielder Pavel Šulc. Arriving from Viktoria Plzeň in August 2025, the 25-year-old has taken Ligue 1 by storm. As the reigning Czech Footballer of the Year, Šulc has been Lyon’s top scorer this season, netting 11 league goals by March 2026. His dynamic movement and clinical finishing make him a constant threat.

However, the headline-grabbing addition to the squad came in the winter transfer window. In December 2025, Lyon secured the loan signing of Brazilian wonderkid Endrick from Real Madrid. The 19-year-old striker, who had found playing time limited at the Bernabéu, joined Les Gones for the remainder of the season to gain regular first-team football. Endrick’s explosive pace, technical brilliance, and eye for goal have added a new dimension to Lyon’s attack, making their matches must-watch television.

The American Influence: Tanner Tessmann

Adding to the international flavour of the squad is American midfielder Tanner Tessmann. The 24-year-old joined Lyon in August 2024 from Italian side Venezia. Standing at 6 ft 2 in, Tessmann provides a physical presence in midfield, complementing the technical skills of players like Tolisso and Morton. His journey from the FC Dallas academy to the heart of a top French club highlights the growing influence of American talent in European football.

Key Players Overview

While the days of the Green Army taking over the city streets or cheering on Jake O’Brien may be in the past, Olympique Lyonnais remains a captivating team for the Irish football enthusiast. With a blend of Premier League alumni, seasoned World Cup winners, and some of the most exciting young talents in world football like Endrick and Pavel Šulc, Les Gones offer a thrilling brand of football under Paulo Fonseca. Whether you are looking for a team to follow in Ligue 1 or simply appreciate high-quality European football, Lyon is a club well worth your attention this season.