Not many teenagers have a resume as boastful as Lily Yohannes. At just 19, Yohannes has contributed to winning three major competitions at OL Lyonnes, became the youngest starter in champion’s league history, and solidified a starting position for her national team in the US. Beginning her second season at OL, she remains ambitious, wanting to help her team achieve success in all competitions. Ahead of the club’s meetup against Juventus, Yohannes speaks on motivations, confidence, and reflects on her first UWCL season at OL.
OL has had a positive start to their UWCL campaign, being only behind Barcelona on the table. Their last outing for the competition saw a 6-0 win against Inter Milan, where Yohannes scored an impressive goal-of-the-tournament contender from long range.
Even on the biggest stages for the biggest clubs, Yohannes has consistently found ways to display her confidence, and a play style that former USWNT forward, Christian Press, has described simply as ‘magic’. Yohannes highlighted how she feeds creativity into her style of play, especially within a technical-heavy landscape, at OL.
“It’s a testament to the environment I grew up in… [Ajax] was very focused on technical and tactical styles. [Giráldez] has already taught me so much and I’m continuing to grow within that ‘technical and tactical’ style.”
“I know my role, and what I have to be doing, but within that I can sort of field the spaces and do what I feel is right in the moment with my intuition…[playing at OL] makes it a little easier when you have so many great players around you. I think I’ve built a good amount of confidence from last season and I think that just allows me to have a bit of freedom as well within my role.”
“I’m a midfielder who likes to get on the ball a lot to connect play, to have creative moments, and create opportunities for the team.”
Establishing yourself at one of Europe’s most successful clubs, alongside some of the world’s top players inevitably comes with pressure. Yohannes’ name on startsheet features alongside Jule Brand, Ada Hegerberg, and other stars. However, Yohannes funnels that pressure into motivation.
“Playing for a club like Lyon, you do have this expectation and pressure, but I think this is what I love to feel…You really want to uphold that standard, that winning expectation and playing with the best players in the world the best there is. I think it drives you to get better…I have this urge of wanting to win, and wanting to bring trophies to this club.”
Yohannes has also found success alongside her teammates, being named the UWCL revelation of the 25/26 season, an accolade teammate Melchie Dumornay had won the two years prior to her. Yohannes also finished fourth for the women’s young talent of the year at this year’s Ballon d’or.
“I’m super grateful to have these recognitions…Football is a team sport, but to be recognised on an individual level is always special.”
“It’s extra motivation for me to continue to work, to continue to grow, and above all, to help my team as best I can…I’m motivated, I’m hungry, and I want to work as hard as I can to help my team be successful”
While the club finished first in the Premiere Ligue, and conquered the Coupe de France last season, OL fell short of winning another UWCL title after finishing 4-0 against Barcelona in the final and are looking to return stronger this season. Demonstrating her resilience, Yohannes didn’t want to dwell on the loss, but instead added it to her list of motivations that will drive this season.
“[The result] was unfortunate, of course, but it’s a new season. I can feel the energy and willingness from everyone, and I think our goals to win all four trophies always stay the same.”
“That’s something we’re striving for this season. I can say that I’m feeling the momentum – it’s good vibes from everyone, so we take it game by game, and we keep pushing.”
OL will take on Juventus on Wednesday, who currently sit fifth in both the Serie A and UWCL competitions. Their last three meetups have all ended in draws.
“We know from last season that Juventus is a tough side…but we’re feeling good from our last results. Juventus has some quality as well, so we just have to analyse their play, stay to ourselves, and stay true to our game plan. We know that if we do this, we can come out with a result.”
You can find out where to view OL Lyonnes’ match against Juventus, as well as other UWCL fixtures at https://wheretowatch.uefa.com/.
