Aulas extends Olive Branch, Hails Saint-Étienne‘s “Historic Chance”
PARIS, France – September 24, 2025 – In a stunning departure from decades of fierce rivalry, Olympique Lyonnais (OL) president Jean-Michel Aulas publicly lauded AS Saint-Étienne, praising the club’s new ownership and management during an appearance on RMC’s After Foot program last night. The unexpected tribute signals a potential shift in dynamics between the two historic French football clubs and arrives at a pivotal moment for Saint-Étienne as thay attempt to regain their footing in French football.
Aulas’ comments centered on the recent arrival of a new, ambitious shareholder – a figure he described as “high-quality” and a supporter of women’s sport – coupled with the appointment of Yvan Gazidis as a key leader. This combination, Aulas believes, presents Saint-Étienne with a “historic chance” to return to prominence. The gesture is especially noteworthy given the long-standing and often acrimonious competition between Lyon and Saint-Étienne, making Aulas’ praise all the more impactful.
“I have a lot of friends in Saint-Étienne and I told them that they had possibly, on the one hand, a high-quality shareholder, who in addition is a fan of female sport so that means things, and then they have among the greatest managing directors of football that I knew: Yvan Gazidis that I knew at ECA, UEFA and really, I think that for those who will take the time to come back, they have a historic chance of wish. I tell you that people who are in the head today, whether it is indeed financially with big means but especially Yvan is really someone extraordinary,” Aulas stated.
The article was originally published on September 23, 2025, at 22:23 and last updated on September 24, 2025, at 02:22. The advancement comes as Saint-Étienne navigates a period of rebuilding following recent challenges,and Gazidis’ experience – gained at the European Club Association (ECA) and UEFA – is expected to be instrumental in the club’s future strategy.
