Lyon manager Fonseca resigned and will next take over at Sporting CP.

Lyon officially announced on Wednesday that Paulo Fonseca will no longer serve as the first-team coach. His next destination has been confirmed: Sporting CP, a traditional powerhouse in the Portuguese league.

Fonseca's contract with Lyon was originally set to expire next summer. Sporting CP paid Lyon €5 million in compensation and signed Fonseca to a contract that runs until June 30, 2030.

As for Lyon, they are actively searching for a new head coach. In the meantime, the first team will be temporarily managed by assistant coach Jorge Massier.

The 53-year-old Fonseca has coached several Portuguese teams, including 1 Dec., Odive, Pajanovic, Aves, Ferreira, Porto, and Braga. As a prominent representative of Portugal's younger generation of coaches, he led Porto and Braga to one Portuguese Super Cup and one Portuguese Cup title respectively.

Fonseca has also served as manager at Shakhtar Donetsk, Roma, Lille, and AC Milan, giving him a thorough understanding of the European football landscape. Since taking over Lyon in January 2025, he has led the team to a record of 47 wins, 11 draws, and 25 losses.

Upon leaving office, Fonseca delivered a farewell message via the X platform: "Some decisions in life bring both joy and sorrow. This is one of them."

"I will be saying goodbye to Lyon today, and it's been much harder than I expected."

“Over time, Lyon has become more than just a workplace for me: it has become my home. I have always felt the trust, support and respect from Lyon. I will never forget it.”

"Thank you to the chairman, all club members, my coaching team, and my players. Thank you for your trust and dedication, and thank you for the time we've spent together and everything we've experienced. I am proud of the journey we've taken together, and even more grateful to everyone I've had the privilege of meeting here."

“I especially want to thank the fans; you made me feel right at home. Your enthusiasm, your love for the club, and all the moments we shared will forever be etched in my memory.”

"As far back as I can remember, football has been an integral part of my life. Sometimes, it gives you the opportunity to realize your childhood dreams. For me, that moment has arrived. Although I am filled with joy and gratitude for the future, a part of my heart will always remain in Lyon."

"I leave with immense gratitude; these memories will stay with me for the rest of my life. Thank you, Lyon. Thank you for everything you have given me."

Meanwhile, Sporting CP officially announced Fonseca's appointment. According to the official statement, he will assume the position alongside Paulo Ferreira, Paulo Mourão, Antonio Ferreira, and Nelson Duarte.

Fonseca's main task upon taking office is to lead Sporting CP to improve their league ranking. Under his predecessor Rui Borges, Sporting CP currently sits third in the Portuguese league with a record of 6 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss, accumulating 23 points, a full 9 points behind league leaders Porto.

Image source: Internet/Sports Portugal official website