Founded in 1950 and based in Lyon, Olympique Lyonnais is one of France's most successful football clubs. Nicknamed “Les Gones” (The Kids), the team’s identity is rooted in heritage, patriotism, and innovation. Its visual identity, anchored by heraldic principles, has evolved through time to reflect the club’s rich history and modern ambitions.

Early Designs: 1950–1980

1950–1957

The club's inaugural logo featured a shield divided into a white upper section and a red lower section.

The white area housed the initials "O" and "L" in blue.

The red section displayed a rampant lion in white, a heraldic symbol of strength.

1957–1965

This iteration introduced a purple hue in place of blue and subtly adjusted the lion's pose, modernizing the design while maintaining the core elements.

1965–1974

Gold accents replaced the blue outlines, giving the logo a regal touch. The lion adopted a light blue outline, while the overall palette gained richer tones for a more polished appearance.

1974–1976

The shield's interior saw significant changes:

The left section turned solid red, featuring white initials and a newly added soccer ball.

Stripes of blue and white adorned the right section, while the lion was now orange.

1976–1977

Simplifying the design, this version removed the shield and ball, focusing solely on the white-outlined initials and a red lion.

1977–1980

This bold redesign featured a red lion outlined in gold, standing on a black-and-white football. A stylized gold key, formed by intertwined "O" and "L," added a unique heraldic element.

Modernization and Minimalism: 1980–1996

1980–1989

The club embraced cleaner lines and a contemporary aesthetic.

The lion and football remained but lacked outlines, transitioning to a smoother design.

The football featured purple accents, while the key turned bold and solid.

1989–1996

A minimalist logo celebrated national pride with a geometric "OL" design.

The initials had a white fill with thick black outlines.

A French flag chevron adorned the letters, symbolizing patriotism and elegance.

Return to Tradition: 1996–2006

1996–2000

The lion rampant returned, integrated into a redesigned crest.

The gold lion was positioned within a white "O" and blue shield.

A bold red rectangle across the top featured a gold-outlined nameplate, emphasizing the club's heritage.

2000–2006

This version retained the 1996 design but made the lettering bolder for improved visibility.

Refinement and Global Status: 2006–Today

2006–2022

A pivotal redesign solidified Olympique Lyonnais as a global football powerhouse:

The crest was split into dark blue and red sections, outlined in gold.

The initials "OL" were prominently displayed in white block letters.

A modernized gold lion remained central, symbolizing strength and pride.

2022–Present

The latest logo introduced a brighter and cleaner look:

The red and blue hues became more vivid, while the gold outline around the initials was removed.

A white line complemented the remaining gold border on the shield’s edge, creating a contemporary and balanced design.

Colors of Olympique Lyonnais

The club’s official color palette reflects its identity and the French tricolor:

Red: HEX #DA0812, symbolizing passion and energy.

Blue: HEX #14387F, representing loyalty and tradition.

White: HEX #FFFFFF, standing for purity and unity.

Gold: HEX #D29D46, adding a touch of elegance and prestige.

The evolution of Olympique Lyonnais' logo tells a story of tradition, innovation, and patriotism. From its early heraldic crests to its modern, streamlined designs, the emblem has consistently celebrated the club's legacy while adapting to contemporary trends. This fusion of history and modernity cements its place as an iconic symbol in French football.