Carlos Vicens Takes Lyon
Carlos Vicens is the new manager of Lyon, succeeding Paulo Fonseca after the Portuguese coach left the French club to take over Sporting, according to Maisfutebol. The 43-year-old Spanish coach, who is a native of Mallorca and began his career in Spanish football before joining Manchester City in 2017, was announced on Monday as the new head coach of the French club until June 30, 2028. Paulo Fonseca departed Lyon to sign a three-and-a-half-year contract with Sporting, where he replaced Rui Borges.
The Spanish coach signed a contract running until June 30, 2028, as reported by Público. Vicens takes over his second senior managerial role following his departure from Sp. Braga in October.
From Manchester City to Braga
Vicens spent eight years at Manchester City working under Pep Guardiola, initially joining the English club’s youth setup in 2017 before moving to the first-team coaching staff in 2021, Público noted. In 2025, he accepted his first top-level managerial position with Sp. Braga.
During his debut season in Portugal, Vicens guided the Minho side to a fourth-place finish in the league, a League Cup final appearance, and the semi-finals of the Europa League, an achievement no Portuguese club had reached in 12 years, according to Público reporting.
Project Continuity at Lyon
Lyon stated that the appointment aims to maintain sporting continuity. The club noted that the approach to the game, level of demand and importance given to player development correspond in full to the guidelines defined by the club,
with the club choosing Vicens to prioritize the continuity of its sporting project.
The coaching staff retains key personnel from the previous setup.
Training Schedule and Debut
Vicens is scheduled to lead his first training session on Tuesday morning, followed by an official presentation to the media at 15h.
The 43-year-old manager arrives in France with an 18-month agreement, tying him to the Ligue 1 outfit through the end of the 2027-28 campaign, as outlined in the club’s official announcement covered by Público.
How Long Is Carlos Vicens's Contract with Lyon?
How long is Carlos Vicens’s contract with Lyon?
The Spanish coach signed an 18-month agreement valid until June 30, 2028, according to the official club communication.
Who did Carlos Vicens replace at Lyon?
Vicens succeeded Paulo Fonseca, who departed the French club to take over the managerial position at Sporting in Portugal, as noted by Maisfutebol.
What were Vicens’s achievements at Sp. Braga?
During his first season, he secured a fourth-place league finish, reached the League Cup final, and advanced to the Europa League semi-finals, per Público records.