Olympic Lyon was founded back in 1899 after a dispute between the rugby and football sections of the multisports club Lyon Olympique.

Back in 1920 they moved to the Stade de Gerland, a stadium seven years in the making designed by Tony Garnier, a local architect.

Lyon has a healthy rivalry with fellow side Saint-Étienne, which is one of the highlights in Ligue 1.

Jean-Michel Aulas took control of the club in 1987 and invested in the club with the objective of European qualification and become an established Ligue 1 side, within fifteen years. Under coaches Denis Papas and Marcel Le Borgne, the club rose back into the top flight, but each departed at the end of the season.

Truly the dominant force in Ligue 1 of France in recent times, rubber stamping their dominance by winning a record seven consecutive titles between 2002 and 2008.

Over this successful period the likes of Jacques Santini, Paul Le Guen and Gerard Houllier have been at the helm.

A constant breeding ground of French talent which has graced playing fields accross the globe.

Past players include the likes of Sidney Govou, Florent Malouda, Michael Essien, Grégory Coupet and many more.

Abédi Pelé, Juninho and Portuguese international Tiago are just a few imports to mention that have been brought to the club.