Caroline Weir has signed a three-year contract with OL Lyonnes, the eight-time European champions, after four successful years at Real Madrid. The Scotland captain described the move as an easy decision, driven by her ambition to compete for top honours, including the Champions League.
Weir's Ambitions at Lyonnes
“At this stage in my career, I want to push on,” said the 30-year-old midfielder. “I want to be competing to win things, I want to be playing with the best players. I would love to be up there competing for the Champions League.” Weir, who scored seven goals in two Scotland matches in June 2026, helped her national team top their World Cup qualifying group and reach the playoffs.
Weir revealed that conversations with Lyonnes head coach Jonatan Giráldez were pivotal in her decision. “We spoke about things he thought I was good at and things he thought I could improve,” she said. “He gave me a good idea of what to expect tactically.”
Leaving Real Madrid
Weir leaves Real Madrid as the club's all-time record scorer with 63 goals in 125 appearances, along with the assists record (29). Despite not winning a major trophy, she looks back with pride. “My only regret is we didn't win that first title. But apart from that, I'm really proud of those statistics,” she said. Real Madrid expressed gratitude for her professionalism, and she received a signed shirt from Jude Bellingham with a personal message.
Settling in Lyon
Before pre-season, Weir plans to find a nail salon, an eyelash technician, and parks for her dog. She compares Lyon to Edinburgh, calling it “a French version of Edinburgh” and noting its reputation as the food capital of France.
World Cup Dreams
Weir, appointed Scotland captain in February, is determined to lead her country to the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil. “Going to Brazil for a World Cup, it's just what dreams are all about,” she said. After Scotland's men qualified for their first World Cup in 36 years, Weir hopes for similar support. “We would love a bit of that,” she added.
