Rediscovering the Passion: Jean-Michel Aulas Embraces Amateur Football
Jean-Michel Aulas, renowned for his three-and-a-half decades leading Olympique Lyonnais, has been quietly immersed in a new world: amateur football. A year and a half after handing over the reins to American John Textor, the 75-year-old business leader has found a new purpose on the sidelines of the Éveil de Lyon, a historic club teeming with young talent in Villeurbanne.
His entry into this grassroots level stems from a profound personal connection. Having recently rebuilt his life with a younger woman who has three children – two boys aged 10 and 14, and a 12-year-old daughter – Aulas considers them his responsibility. The trio shares a passion for football, finding a home at Éveil de Lyon. Founded in 1911, this club, which proudly proclaims itself the largest in the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region based on its membership base, has opened a new chapter for the former OL president.
Every Saturday morning, Aulas can be found among enthusiastic parents on the sidelines, a familiar face cheering on his ‘adopted’ children. This commitment goes beyond mere cheerleading, however. He has become a proactive presence within the club’s ecosystem.
“I serve as an instigator, a guide, and I participate in the life of the club,” Aulas confides, describing his role. “I spend every Saturday morning there, whether with the volunteers at the refreshment bar, the educators, or the president. I’m crazy about amateur football.”
This new found passion provides a unique perspective. "It allows me to rediscover this football, a little in the spirit of OL when I arrived in 1987, when professional football was much less developed," he reflects.
Aulas’s presence has become more than just familiar- it’s impactful. Half the town knows him, people recognize him and ask for him when he arrives. Affable and curious, Aulas quickly established strong ties within the community.
"I am in direct contact with the educators, the president, the volunteers… Éveil de Lyon still has 1,200 members. This allows me to know amateur football from an operational perspective, which was not the case before," saysآulas.
This new journey, far removed from the high-stakes world of professional football, showcases Aulas’s enduring love for the game.
What prompted Jean-Michel Aulas to shift his focus from professional football to amateur football?
## Rediscovering the Passion: Jean-Michel Aulas Embraces Amateur Football
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re talking about a fascinating new chapter in the life of football legend Jean-Michel Aulas. Joining us to discuss this is Alex Reed, a long-time football journalist and expert on French football.
**Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** Jean-Michel Aulas is synonymous with Olympique Lyonnais, having led the club to unprecedented success over three decades. But recently, he’s stepped away from the professional game and delved into the world of amateur football. Can you tell us more about this surprising move?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. Aulas, after stepping down as president of Lyon a year and a half ago, has been spotted actively involved with Éveil de Lyon, a historic amateur club in Villeurbanne. [[1](https://tours.maville.com/actu/actudet_–je-suis-un-fou-de-foot-amateur-jean-michel-aulas-retrouve-la-passion-des-terrains-de-district-_fil-6578915_actu.Htm)]This seems to be a direct result of his personal life, as he’s recently started a new relationship and has three stepchildren, renewed connection with the grassroots level of sports.
**Host:** This is quite a change of pace for someone who was at the helm of one of Europe’s top football clubs. What motivated this shift, do you think?
**Alex Reed:** Well, it’s clear that Aulas is still incredibly passionate about football.
He emphasized this himself during a recent visit to Brittany, saying “Je suis un fou de foot amateur” [[1](https://tours.maville.com/actu/actudet_–je-suis-un-fou-de-foot-amateur-jean-michel-aulas-retrouve-la-passion-des-terrains-de-district-_fil-6578915_actu.Htm)]. Stepping away from the high-pressure world of professional football might allow him to reconnect with the pure joy of the game, nurturing young talent at a more personal level. It’s a inspiring move, showing that his passion for football extends beyond the professional arena.
**Host:** It certainly adds another dimension to his legacy. Thank you for sharing your insights, Alex Reed. This is definitely a story to watch in the coming months.
