Alexandre Lacazette Drives Lyon’s Remarkable Revival

When Alexandre Lacazette returned to his boyhood club Lyon in 2022, hopes were high for a triumphant homecoming. However, the start of the 2023-24 season saw those dreams turn to nightmares as Lyon plummeted to the bottom of Ligue 1.

Lacazette’s first season back had been individually successful, with 27 goals scored. But the team struggled for consistency under Laurent Blanc, finishing a disappointing 7th. As 2023 dawned, even that modest position seemed a distant dream for Lyon.

The arrival of new manager Pierre Sage in late 2023 sparked a dramatic turnaround. Lacazette rediscovered his scoring touch, netting 13 goals in the second half of the season. His leadership on and off the pitch was crucial as Lyon mounted an improbable climb up the table.

Between February and May, Lacazette’s goals directly contributed to 24 of Lyon’s 31 points. His decisive penalty on the final day secured Europa League qualification, completing one of the most remarkable comebacks in French football history.

Lacazette’s heroics earned him a recall to the national team setup for the first time since 2017. He captained France’s Olympic squad to a silver medal, cementing his status as Lyon’s talisman.

Though Lyon have struggled for consistency again in 2023-24, Lacazette remains their focal point in attack. His goals have been crucial to their strong Europa League campaign as they target continental glory.

While two silver medals may have slightly dampened his stellar year, Lacazette’s pivotal role in Lyon’s resurrection cements his place as a club legend. As 2024 approaches, he’ll be hoping to lead Lyon to even greater heights.