Sporting pays 5 million euros for Fonseca, Maciel at the helm of Lyon

Paulo Fonseca has informed Olympique Lyon of his decision to resign in order to accept Sporting Lisbon’s offer, which will pay a €5 million release clause to free him. The Lyon board, regretful about the timing, has accepted the resignation and immediately started the search for a successor, handing the temporary bench to Jorge Maciel until the next international break.

Jorge Maciel will lead the team in the Europa League tie against Real Sociedad and, subsequently, in the league match against Brest. The board is working on a continuity profile capable of carrying forward the principles and sporting project developed over the past months.

Olympique Lyon has sent a thank‑you note to Fonseca for his dedication, rigor and the work done from his arrival to today, wishing him the best for the future.

Motta’s €4m salary demand blocks path to replace Fonseca at Lyon

Fonseca departs for Sporting

Paulo Fonseca has officially left Lyon to take the Sporting Lisbon helm. The Portuguese coach, former manager of Lille and Milan, terminated early the contract that bound him until June 2027, having to pay a €5 million compensation to the French club.

Fonseca was seen in tears after the win over Angers, thinking about the imminent move. Tomorrow the team will face Real Sociedad in the fourth round of the Europa League, while on Sunday they will play Brest in the league. For both fixtures, the team will be led by Jorge Maciel, deputy of the former manager.

Lyon dismisses Fonseca and appoints Maciel as interim manager