United States women’s national team midfielder Lindsey Horan is set to join French Division 1 side Olympique Lyonnais on loan until June 2023. Ahead of the move, Horan signed a contract extension with Portland Thorns FC — her only NWSL club to date — through 2025.
“When Lindsey signed her long-term contract with the Thorns in 2020 she came to us to discuss pursuing an opportunity to play in Europe, and we have honored that request,” Thorns General Manager Karina KeBlanc said. “We are thrilled she has signed an extension with the Thorns to offset this loan spell and we can’t wait to welcome her back to Portland after her time abroad.”
Horan is currently with the U.S. national team in Austin, Texas, participating in January camps and was recently voted as the 2021 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year. She earned her 100th cap, scored her 25th goal, and registered her 34th assist during 2021 for the USWNT.
Horan has been with the Portland Thorns since her arrival to NWSL in 2016, after previously spending time in France with Paris Saint-Germain. She now returns to the French league after making 88 career appearances (all of them starts) for Portland, while recording 25 goals and nine assists. She was named NWSL MVP in 2018, while earning back-to-back NWSL Best XI selections in 2018 and 2019. Horan also earned NWSL Second Team honors in 2017 and 2021.
“I’d like to thank the club for allowing me to go on loan and have this opportunity to play in France,” said Horan in a club release. “Being a Thorn is one of the most incredible things I’ve gotten a chance to feel during my time as a professional soccer player. While I am excited for this new experience, I take great pride in being a Portland Thorn. I am proud of this team’s success and I sincerely thank the club for making this happen.”
Horan is now the 12th American player to play with Lyon, and will be reunited with USWNT teammate Catarina Macario, who is already with Lyon on a contract to 2023. It remains to be seen how the two will be utilized on a star-studded roster by Lyon head coach Sonia Bompastor.
