Paulo Fonseca has left Lyon and is expected to become Sporting CP's new head coach.

Fonseca joined Lyon in January 2025 and led the club to a fourth-place finish in Ligue 1 last term, just missing out on Champions League football by a point.

This season, they sit third after nine games, having accrued 17 points (W5 D2 L2), and they sit just three points behind Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain.

In total, Fonseca oversaw 82 matches in charge of the club, winning 46 of those games (D12 L24), and leaving with a win percentage of 56.1%.

While Sporting are yet to announce Fonseca's appointment, Lyon confirmed it in their announcement of his exit, also stating their disappointment over the 53-year-old's decision to leave.

"Approached in recent days by a club to which he is particularly attached, Paulo Fonseca has informed the management of his wish to leave Olympique Lyonnais," Lyon said in their statement.

"An unexpected decision which OL deeply regrets, all the more so by its timing in the middle of the season.

"Faced with this clearly expressed will, the management considered that it was not in the interest of the club to continue a collaboration that could no longer guarantee the level of total commitment essential to the success of the project.

"In such a decisive period of the season, Olympique Lyonnais believes that all of its forces must be fully mobilised and focused on the club's objectives.

"The management has therefore taken note of Paulo Fonseca's decision and is now working to identify his successor."

Official: Paulo Fonseca leaves OL to join Sporting CP. https://t.co/yjOtjLDEDR https://t.co/VGFHLy7luc

— Olympique Lyonnais (@OL_English) November 4, 2026

Sporting, who sacked Rui Borges on Monday after a poor start to their Primeira Liga campaign, will pay Lyon €5m in compensation for Fonseca's exit.

Fonseca is returning to his home country as a manager for the first time since leaving Braga in May 2016.

In a statement on social media, Fonseca addressed the Lyon fans, saying: "Some decisions in life are both sources of happiness and sadness. This one is part of that.

"I bid farewell to Olympique Lyonnais, and it's far more difficult than I ever could have imagined.

"Over time, Lyon has become much more than just a place where I worked: it has become a home. A place where I felt safe, supported, and respected, even in the most challenging moments. I will never forget that.

"To the supporters: thank you for making me feel at home. Your passion, your love for this club, and all the emotions we've shared will remain etched in my memory forever.

"Football has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. And sometimes, it offers you the chance to fulfil a dream you've carried since childhood. That moment has arrived for me. I am happy and grateful for what lies ahead, but a part of my heart will always remain in Lyon.

"I leave with immense gratitude and memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Thank you, Lyon. For everything."