Muut

Former Ajax star Lily Yohannes wants to help OL Lyonnes win titles: 'Incredible club'

Lily Yohannes present the ball for the final rounds of the 2025 Women's EUROs
Lily Yohannes present the ball for the final rounds of the 2025 Women's EUROsAnna Carreau
Present at the Adidas store in Zurich for the presentation of the ball that will be used for the semi-finals and final of EURO 2025, Lily Yohannes spoke about her recent signing to OL Lyonnes.

18-year-old Yohannes made her professional debut for Ajax, the club she joined at the age of 13, in 2023 when she was just 16 years old. 

This summer, Yohannes completed a €450,000 move to French giants OL Lyonnes, a record fee for a player from the Dutch Eredivisie. Speaking to Flashscore's Anna Carreau at the Adidas presentation of the final ball of the 2025 Women's EUROs, the young midfielder said the transfer to the record 18-time champions fills her with pride.

"It means a lot to be part of OL Lyonnes. It really is an incredible club," Yohannes said. "I can't wait to start playing with all the players and meet the great staff. I want to start working now.

"When I heard about Lyon's project, I really wanted to join the club. It's a huge club with a huge history, and I fell in love with it all. I've been a fan of Lyon since I was a little girl."

The entire European elite were reportedly after Yohannes, but it was USWNT teammate Lindsey Heaps who eventually convinced the youngster to move to Southeast France.

"I spoke to Lindsey Heaps, and she had nothing but good things to say about the club. Overall, I've heard so many positive things about the club that I'm really excited about joining OL Lyonnes. The club is full of world-class players and I can't wait to be able to work with all these experienced players."

Lily Yohannes's recent statistics
Lily Yohannes's recent statisticsFlashscore

Yohannes, who scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 39 Eredivisie games for Ajax, said she hadn't spoken to OL Lyonnes manager Jonatan Gilardez just yet, but will meet him soon: "He's an incredible coach who's achieved so much in women's football that I can't wait to work with him."

The American skilled midfielder is taking things slow at her new club, but has big plans in store. "My aim is to settle in, adapt and hopefully help the team continue to win titles," Yohannes said.

Yohannes is settling in already, however, and showcased her French skills when asked if she'd learnt some already: "Yes! Allez Lyon!"

Read all about the 2025 Women's EUROs on Flashscore.