Lacazette Makes History During Last Lyon Appearance
Some footballers leave quietly; Alexandre Lacazette made sure nobody would forget his exit. On a charged night at Groupama Stadium, the 34-year-old striker became only the second player in Lyon’s history to reach 200 goals for the club, pulling off a storybook ending on May 18, 2025.
Lyon faced Angers with more than pride on the line—they needed points to keep their European hopes alive. The match stretched as a cagey affair until the 58th minute. That’s when fate offered its script: Thiago Almada was brought down awkwardly in the box, earning Lyon a penalty. As the crowd hushed, Lacazette stepped up and calmly slotted the ball home. That was goal number 200—an achievement most never sniff over their entire career.
But Lacazette wasn’t done. Just past the 70-minute mark, a quick Lyon break found young Rayan Cherki darting towards the Angers area, slicing the defense with a neat pass. Lacazette dashed forward, controlled effortlessly, and thumped his 201st goal into the net. He hardly celebrated alone—the stands erupted, knowing they were watching club history in action.
Lyon’s Number 10 Among Club Legends
Lacazette’s numbers are mind-blowing: 201 goals across 391 games. Only Fleury Di Nallo has ever scored more for Lyon, with 222 goals—but it took Di Nallo 494 appearances to reach that tally. Lacazette’s efficiency and consistency have made him an icon for a generation of Lyon fans.
His journey spans 16 years, except for his spell in England with Arsenal, where fans got to see the same blend of strength, intelligence, and finishing skill. When he returned to Lyon in 2022, many wondered if he still had enough in the tank. He answered with performances that lifted spirits and, this season, dragged Lyon back into continental competition.
The final whistle marked the end of his Lyon story. Supporters rose to their feet, voices echoing around the stadium in gratitude. A decade and a half of memories—the goals, titles, heartbreaks, and recoveries—all wrapped up in the Number 10’s final match. If there was ever a perfect farewell, this was it.
The victory over Angers didn’t just add a magical send-off; it propelled Lyon to sixth in Ligue 1, locking in European qualification for next season. For a team that has fought hard after ups and downs throughout the campaign, that felt as sweet as any trophy. And for Lacazette, his place in Lyon’s story is etched in both numbers and hearts—second to none except a legend himself.
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