OL Reign Mourns the Loss of Gérard Houllier
OL Reign and the entire OL family were saddened to learn of the passing of Gérard Houllier on Monday morning. As OL Reign and Olympique Lyonnais Féminin’s Technical Director, Houllier contributed immensely to the mission of promoting gender equality in sports.
“I first met Gérard in Lyon during my early conversations with OL about the acquisition of our club. It was clear from these discussions that Gérard had a great respect and passion for women’s football,” said OL Reign CEO Bill Predmore. “Over the last year Gérard was incredibly generous in sharing insights and advice, helping shape the club we strive to become. His vast knowledge of the game was coupled with an uncommon kindness and humility that was inspiring to all. I wish to extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends on behalf of the club.”
Born in Thérouanne, France in 1947, Houllier was a passionate amateur player and English teacher, who became a full-time manager of Le Touquet in 1973, while still playing for the club. Houllier quickly rose in the coaching ranks, helping Paris Saint-Germain win the French title in 1986. From there, Houllier spent nine years coaching various parts of the French national team, including the senior team in 1992-93 and winning the UEFA Under-18 Championship in 1996.
Houllier brought multiple trophies to Merseyside in six years at the helm of Liverpool, including two League Cups, the FA Charity Shield, the UEFA Cup, the UEFA Super Cup and the hallowed FA Cup. After Liverpool, Houllier came to Lyon’s men’s side, where he won consecutive Ligue 1 titles in 2005-06 and 2006-07.
In 2012, Houllier became the head of global football at Red Bull, responsible for development and sporting performance for Red Bull Salzburg, RB Leipzig and the New York Red Bulls. He returned to Lyon in 2016 as an advisor to OL Groupe president Jean-Michel Aulas.
Houllier was part of the contingent from OL that came to Cheney Stadium to announce OL Groupe’s acquisition of OL Reign on December 19, where he spoke of the shared vision of the two organizations and the bright future they could create together in the world of women’s soccer.
Houllier was a Chevalier of the Légion d’honneur and an Officer of the British Empire, the latter honor given for his “outstanding contribution to British football.”
Above his accomplishments and contributions to the world of soccer, Houllier will be remembered for his warmth, wisdom and friendliness to all those who knew him.