July 21, 2025
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Zapping Foot National Interview – The underside of amateur football, with Romain Molina

French football is in mourning. Bernard Lacombe, an emblematic figure of Olympique Lyonnais and legend of the French championship, died at 72 years old. Hospitalized since January, his death was announced this Tuesday evening, plunging the world of football into deep sadness. Recognized for his exceptional career, Lacombe marked the history of OL as a player between 1969 and 1978, then as a sports director (1988-1996), coach, and finally historic advisor to President Jean-Michel Aulas until 2019.

A legendary goalscorer career

Bernard Lacombe left an indelible imprint on the lawns of ex-division 1. From 1969 to 1987, he shone mainly under the colors of OL where he scored 149 goals in 258 games. His passage was also noticed at AS Saint-Étienne (18 goals in 37 games) and to the Girondins de Bordeaux (137 goals in 298 games). With an impressive total of 255 goals in 497 French first division games, he remains the second top scorer in the history of the French championship, just behind the Argentinian Delio Onnis.

Homage to OL and International Glory

Olympique Lyonnais quickly reacted to the announcement of its disappearance. In a press release published this Tuesday evening on X, the club expressed its immense sadness: “It was with immense sadness that we learned this Tuesday evening the death of Bernard Lacombe. All our thoughts go to his family and loved ones, but also lovers of Olympique Lyonnais and football. Goodbye Bernard, you were our legend, the biggest of all.” Beyond his club exploits, Bernard Lacombe also proudly worn the jersey of the French team, registering 12 goals in 38 selections and participating in the victory of the Blues in Euro 1984, another memorable milestone of his rich career.