Lindsey Heaps’ European journey with OL Lyonnes culminated in a Champions League final loss to FC Barcelona, marking her last appearance in the competition before her impending move to Denver.
Just three weeks prior, she believed she had secured an early lead, only for the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to intervene. That prior incident, against Arsenal, ultimately had no bearing on OL Lyonnes’ positive outcome. However, the Champions League final in Oslo brought a similar emotional rollercoaster for Lindsey Heaps. Around the fifteen-minute mark, the American midfielder was convinced she had put the Fenottes ahead, expertly following up on a parried header from Wendie Renard. Both she and many others celebrated, but once again, video assistance stepped in, disallowing the goal for a marginal offside. By mere centimeters, the narrative of the Champions League final could have unfolded quite differently, leading to a far more triumphant conclusion for OL Lyonnes and for Heaps.
“Proud to have been part of this club”
Upon the final whistle, the disappointment was palpable for the midfielder. Beyond suffering a second continental final loss after the 2024 defeat, the Lyon number 10 was making her final bow in the prestigious competition. With her departure for Denver slated for this summer, Lindsey Heaps had hoped to cap her tenure with a second European triumph, building on their 2022 success. This mission, however, remained unfulfilled for the American national team captain. She reflected after the match, saying, “Football is football, and sometimes things don’t go as we wish. I’ve played in many finals, winning some and losing others. All credit goes to Barça; they are one of the best teams globally, and it’s always a privilege to compete against them. Above all, I am immensely proud of our team, proud of this club, and proud to have represented OL Lyonnes.”
Lindsey Heaps now has one remaining fixture: Friday’s match against Paris FC, where she aims to conclude her Lyon adventure by securing a ninth domestic title.
