London City Lionesses Set for Historic Clash with OL Lyonnes
- samwraight
- Jul 30
- 2 min read
As London City Lionesses prepare for their debut in the Barclays Women’s Super League, a historic moment awaits: a first-ever fixture against European heavyweights OL Lyonnes.
Set for Thursday 21st August at 18:00 BST, the pre-season friendly will be held at the Groupama OL Training Center in Lyon, and marks the first on-pitch meeting between two clubs within Michele Kang’s global women’s football portfolio.

The significance of this match goes beyond pre-season, and for London City, it’s a vital test against the most decorated club in women’s football history.
Facing OL Lyonnes, with their unmatched legacy in the game, offers a benchmark moment for Head Coach Jocelyn Prêcheur and his squad: “Facing OL Lyonnes is a key moment in our pre-season preparations.
"Their legacy in the women’s game makes this a real benchmark for where we are as a squad. It’s a valuable test – not just physically, but tactically and mentally.
"This match gives us the opportunity to see how our new signings are integrating, and how we’re refining our identity on the pitch against a team with a clear, established style.
"It’s the kind of challenge that helps set the tone for the season ahead."
Several of London City's new signings will be on familiar ground in Lyon. Former OL Lyonnes players Daniëlle van de Donk, Saki Kumagai and Nikita Parris are all expected to feature, bringing invaluable experience to the squad and adding extra narrative to an already significant fixture.
This encounter also reflects the shared commitment of both clubs — and their owner Michele Kang — to elevating women’s football on a global scale.

Under the Kynisca vision, the match is more than a game; it’s a statement of unity, collaboration and progress.
Michele Kang, Owner and Chair of OL Lyonnes and London City Lionesses, said: “This match reflects our vision to build a connected and empowered global ecosystem in women’s football,
“It’s about elevating standards, sharing knowledge, and creating lasting impact across all levels of the sport. Bringing the clubs together in this way is an important step on that journey.”
The match will be open to fans of both clubs, giving supporters the chance to witness a powerful pre-season showcase and a meaningful moment in the evolution of women’s football.
Tickets for the fixture against OL Lyonnes are €5, and you can get them from the button below.
There’s only one first WSL season. There’s only one way to experience it right: together. Become part of history.