When we ask “who is the top scorer in Lyon history,” we are venturing into the heart of Olympique Lyonnais’s folklore — the legends, the records, the players whose names echo along the Rhône. In this article, KorKick will walk you through the story behind that record, dive into the careers of the men chasing it, and explore how the legacy still impacts Lyon now.
The Record Keeper: Fleury Di Nallo
The undisputed top scorer in Lyon history is Fleury Di Nallo. Throughout his time at Lyon (1960 to 1974), Di Nallo carved his name into the club’s record books with an astonishing 222 goals in 494 appearances. He remains the all-time leading scorer, a benchmark that has stood the test of decades.
Dubbed “Le Petit Prince de Gerland”, Di Nallo became a hallmark of Lyon’s attacking identity. In league play alone, he notched 182 goals—though when you tally up all competitions, his total reaches the 222 mark. His feats weren’t limited to scoring: he also tallied 72 assists during his time in Lyon’s colors, ranking him among the club’s most decisive creators as well.
His success came in an era before the staggering commercial expansion of modern football, yet his impact remains timeless. The standard he set has become a measuring stick for every forward who has donned the Lyon jersey ever since.
The Chasers: Who’s Near the Top?
Although Di Nallo’s record is towering, a few names have come close — or at least left their mark on the club’s history books. Let’s run down the closest challengers.
Alexandre Lacazette: The modern-day contender
Lacazette has emerged in the 21st century as Lyon’s most prolific recent striker. He ended his Lyon career (in 2025) with 201 goals, making him the sole second-highest scorer in club history, having overtaken Bernard Lacombe. His return stint.
Bernard Lacombe & other historic names
Before Lacazette’s rise, Bernard Lacombe was Lyon’s long-standing No. 2, with 149 goals in Lyon colors. Lacombe also ranks among Ligue 1’s all-time top scorers, making him a pillar in both club and national football history.
Other names worth noting:
- Serge Chiesa — not primarily a forward, yet his productivity from midfield gives perspective on how rare Di Nallo’s tally is.
- Juninho Pernambucano — more known for his magical free kicks and influence than pure goal output.
These challengers highlight how steep the climb is toward Di Nallo’s summit.
Why Di Nallo’s Record Has Lasted
Every decade there’s speculation: will someone break Di Nallo’s record? Yet it remains intact. Let’s zoom into why that is.
Changing eras of football
Di Nallo’s era allowed for longer tenures at one club, less squad rotation, and fewer fixture congestion compared to today. Players such as Lacazette have to balance domestic, European, and international demands — making sustained longevity in one jersey harder.
Competition and transfers
Modern football sees forwards moving clubs, chasing bigger contracts or new challenges. Few stay long enough with Lyon to mount a challenge to 222 goals.
Evolving roles
Contemporary strikers are often asked to contribute more defensively, press, and rotate. Pure poachers are rare compared to the flexible, multi-functional attackers of today. That evolution makes breaking pure goal records more difficult.
Legacy and stability
Di Nallo was Lyon through and through — developing at the club and representing it in its formative decades. His legacy is anchored in consistency and identity. To break the record, someone must not only score—but become entwined with Lyon’s DNA.
Milestones & Trivia From the Record
- Di Nallo’s 222 goals came across 494 appearances in all competitions.
- In league matches alone, he scored 182 goals for Lyon.
- He is also credited with 72 assists, which ranks him among Lyon’s most creative players historically.
- As of now, Lacazette’s 201-goal total is the closest anyone has come in the modern era.
- Serge Chiesa holds the record for most appearances (542) in Lyon history, underscoring how longevity and performance intersect.
- Di Nallo has remained untouched at the top despite multiple generations of strikers trying to chase him.
What’s Next? Who Could Challenge?
Though Di Nallo’s record may seem impregnable, football is nothing if not surprising. Here’s what could influence a future challenger:
| Factor | What It Requires |
| Longevity | A forward staying 10+ seasons at Lyon |
| Consistency | 15–20 goals per season in all competitions |
| Stability | Avoiding long-term injuries, transfer departures |
| Modern support | Strong midfield, service, tactical systems favoring the striker |
If Lyon develops or acquires a young striker and builds around him, the record could be under threat—but it would take a perfect storm of form, fitness, and loyalty.
Conclusion
The top scorer in Lyon history remains Fleury Di Nallo, with 222 goals across 494 matches — a record that has stood firm through decades. While legends like Alexandre Lacazette and Bernard Lacombe have pushed nearest to it, none have yet usurped it. Di Nallo’s mastery, connection to Lyon’s identity, and the changing dynamics of modern football make his record legendary.
At KorKick, we believe records are made to be challenged — but some are built to last. Want to dive into Lacazette’s best seasons, or compare Lyon’s greatest forwards side by side? Just say the word, and we’ll keep the stories alive.
