Lindsey Heaps announced that the coming season will be her last with Lyon, emotionally sharing how difficult it was for her to come to that decision, as the French club has been her whole heart for four years. Heaps will next play with the National Women’s Soccer League’s extension in Denver.
Heaps was balancing her career as a midfielder with Lyon and captaincy in the United States national team, and is geared up to join Denver Summit FC in June 2026.
Lindsey Heaps Emotionally Expresses Love for Lyon and Gets Real About Her Decision to Join Home Team
Heaps joined Olympique Lyon on loan in 2022, led her team to several winning moments, including the Coupe de France Féminine, the UEFA Women’s Champions League, and the Division 1 Féminine. She extended her contract with the club in 2023, and that same year, she scored her debut hat-trick in a match against AS Saint-Étienne.
In November 2025, she reached a unique milestone by making her 100th appearance for the club, having forged a legendary career. In a recent Instagram post, the 31-year-old announced that 2026 will be her final season with OL Lyonnes, after which she will return to Colorado to join the NWSL’s Denver expansion team.
She shared that the decision stemmed from having been away from her family for many years. However, leaving Lyon will be extremely difficult, as the club has been her heart, along with the staff and her teammates.
“I want you to know that it’s a very tough decision for me. This club is my heart. I’ve been living here for nearly four years. And the football is amazing here. This season honestly, it’s been incredible with the new staff, new coach, all the players and fans,” she said.
The Paris Olympic gold medalist shared that playing at home would allow her parents to attend her games. Breaking down in tears, Heaps said that she aims to give her all the next five months, before she leaves for Denver.
She will next take the field at the French Première Ligue and the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Heaps on Why She Decided to Join Denver Summit FC
Heaps has been tasting success in the US since her club tenure with the Portland Thorns, having won the NWSL title in 2017 and been named the league’s Most Valuable Player in 2018. Now, as she returns to the US after four seasons in France, the Olympian revealed what really fueled her decision to join her home squad.
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She cited the majority owner, Rob Cohen, and coach Nick Cushing for making her believe that Denver Summit has a lot to offer in transforming the game. She also discussed how the duo’s beliefs align with hers and how they envision making it successful.
In January 2025, Denver was announced as the NWSL’s 16th team and will embark on its inaugural season in 2026.
