A thread of the most underrated academy in Europe (past and present players) and where they are at now (likes and rt appreciated):

Past players:

Starting off with the biggest player to leave their academy: Benzema (Real Madrid) made his debut for Lyon at 18 went on to assist the last goal in their 2-0 win against Metz in 2005. Went on to score 66 goals in 148 games for Lyon then joined Real in 2009 for £31million.

A big player to leave Lyon is: Umtiti (Barcelona) he made his debut at 19 against Lyon-Duchère in the Coupe de France in a 3-1 win. He went on to score 5 goals in 150 games for Lyon and move to Barca for £22.5m in 2016.

A player that people didn’t know started off his professional career at Lyon is: Martial (Man United) made his debut at 17 came off the bench in a Europe League match against Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona F.C. He never scored in his 3 games for Lyon he went over to Monaco for £4.5m.

Next up is Lacazette (Arsenal): He made his debut at 18 against Auxerre. He went onto score 129 goals in 275 games then joined Arsenal for £47.7m in 2017. Never replicated his Lyon form over to Arsenal due to vase difference in the leagues.

One of the last big names to leave Lyon is: Fekir (Real Betis) made his debut at 20 in a champions league play off match against Real Sociedad in a 2-0 loss. He went on to score 69 goals and assisting 46 time in 193 games for Lyon, he joined Real Betis for £17.7m in 2019.

The second last big name to leave Lyon is: Tolisso (Bayern Munich) made his debut at 19 against HNK Rijeka in the group stage of the 2013–14 UEFA Europa League which they won 1-0. He went onto score 29 goals and 17 assists in 160 games for Lyon, he joined Bayer for £37m in 2017.

The last big name to leave Lyon is: Plea (Borussia Mönchengladbach) made his debut at 19 against AC Sparta Praha in a away Europe league group match which they drew 1-1. He went onto score a goal in his 12 games for Lyon, he joined OGC Nice for £550k in 2014.

Present players:

The only senior player to play for Lyon is Anthony Lopes: He made his debut at 22 against OGC Nice which they lost 1-3. He is on 335 appearances for Lyon.

Next up is the future of Lyon if they don’t leave:

The first youth player to still play for Lyon is Aouar: He made his debut at 18 against AZ in a away Europe League match which they won 1-4 win. He is on 24 goals and 24 assists in 133 games.

The second youth player is Cherki: He made his debut at 16 (youngest ever for Lyon) against Dijon which they drew 0-0. He is on 12 appearances for Lyon’s senior team and is still to score his first goal for them. He is highly considered to be the next big thing from them.

The last youth player is Amine Gouiri: He made his debut at 17 against Montpellier which they drew 0-0. He is on 7 appearances and is still to score his first goal for them. He is another highly rated prospect for them.

(End of thread)