UWCL: OL Lyonnes success is pushing Lily Yohannes to ‘improve and grow’

UWCL: OL Lyonnes success is pushing Lily Yohannes to ‘improve and grow’ OL Lyonnes have an immense history in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, having won the elite competition a record eight times. Their US women’s national team star Lily Yohannes shared her thoughts on their ambitions in the UWCL, representing one of the biggest clubs on the globe and her excitement ahead of facing Juventus. Yohannes is in her second season at OL Lyonnes since joining from Dutch outfit Ajax. She became a household name during her time at the club, becoming the youngest player to start a UWCL match at just 16 years old against PSG. What followed was a decision to represent USA internationally. This cemented her place amongst the very best players in the world at her age, turning down the Netherlands and Eritrea. Yohannes continuing to grow at OL Lyonnes Representing a team as successful as OL Lyonnes not only comes with great pressure but also the opportunity to train with some of the worlds greatest football players. “I think I’m learning from the big names in our locker room,” Yohannes said. “They’ve done it so many times, just seeing how they operate on a day-to-day basis. How they are on the training ground, how they prepare themselves. I’m watching them, learning from them and asking questions.” Embed from Getty Images The 19-year-old has already won three major trophies since joining OL but admits there is always more to learn. “Having this type of high level environment in both training and in our games is helping me, pushing me to continue to improve and grow. I’m really thriving and happy here.” OL Lyonnes aiming to win every available trophy in 2026/27 Despite OL’s immense success in the UWCL, the French club hasn’t won the competition since 2022. They lost last season’s UWCL final to Barcelona 4-0 in Oslo. “It’s hard to look back on that game and say ‘we could’ve done this or that differently’, because obviously we gave it our all and the result was unfortunate, of course,” Yohannes said. OL will have their sights set on a stronger climax as they look to build on their record eight trophies. “We’ve built something from last season that we can continue to grow this season. I can feel the energy and the willingness from the group. Our goal stays the same as always, to win all four available trophies. “I can feel the momentum. I can feel the vibes from everyone. We’ll take it game by game and we’ll keep pushing. The USA star concluded. PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 17: Lily Yohannes of OL Lyonnes Salma Paralluelo of OL Lyonnes Jule Brand of OL Lyonnes and Marie-Antoinette Katoto of OL Lyonnes at Parc des Princes on October 17 (Photo by Pauline Figuet/Getty Images) Lily Yohannes on the Ballon D’Or and her success At the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London earlier this year, Yohannes was placed fourth in the Women’s Young Talent of the Year trophy. This is on top of being named the Johan Cruyff Talent of the Year and in the UNFP Première Ligue Team of the Year. “I’m super grateful to have recognitions like this, I think it’s really special,” Yohannes said. “Football is a team sport first of all but to be recognised on an individual level gives extra motivation to me, to continue to develop and grow. “I’m motivated and hungry. I’ll always continue to work as hard as I can to help my team and be successful as a collective also.” There is a lot of pressure from outside when a player is repeatedly recognised as one of the best in the world, either at their age group or in general. “For me, it’s nice to be recognised but I think I just try to stay grounded. I know that I have so much more I can do to grow, and continue playing at the highest level. The people around me, my family, my coaches help to keep me grounded.” Embed from Getty Images Yohannes also has the experience of OL Lyonnes coach Jonatan Giráldez and her USWNT manager Emma Hayes to call upon. “Emma and I have a great relationship, she’s constantly pushing me to continue my development.” she said. “The experiences that she’s given me on an international level have undoubtedly helped me to grow. It’s so great working with her these past few years.” OL Lyonnes will face Juventus away from home on Wednesday, 11th November in the UWCL. OL currently sit in second in the UWCL league table, just behind Barcelona, while Juventus are in fifth place. Find out where to watch the UEFA Women’s Champions League at wheretowatch.uefa.com . Related articles from Her Football Hub: Suwen Süper Lig results: Galatasaray go top as Fenerbahçe’s eight-goal response sets up derby week Arkema Première Ligue week 7 results: Montpellier stun Lyon before second half collapse, no winner in Paris derby ÖFB-Frauen Bundesliga results: First Vienna celebrate historic comeback, Graz stay top and St. Pölten keep up the chase