For the first time in the history of French football, Olympique Lyonnais (OL) has surpassed AS Saint-Étienne (ASSE) in total victories in Ligue 1, the country’s top professional division. The milestone, confirmed by the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), underscores a dramatic shift in the balance of power between two of France’s most storied clubs. As of April 28, 2026, OL holds 1,070 wins in Ligue 1, whereas ASSE sits at 1,069—a razor-thin margin that reflects decades of rivalry, resilience and recent struggles for Les Verts.

The Numbers Behind the Shift

The historic overtaking was officially recorded following OL’s 2-1 victory over FC Lorient on April 25, 2026. According to the LFP’s official historical records, OL’s win tally now stands at 1,070, while ASSE’s remains at 1,069. This may seem like a narrow lead, but in the context of French football, it carries immense symbolic weight. Saint-Étienne, once the dominant force in Ligue 1 with a record 10 titles (most recently in 1981), has seen its fortunes decline in recent years, while Lyon has steadily risen to become one of the most consistent performers in the league.

Here’s a breakdown of the key figures:

• Olympique Lyonnais: 1,070 wins, 7 Ligue 1 titles (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008)
• AS Saint-Étienne: 1,069 wins, 10 Ligue 1 titles (last in 1981)
• Head-to-Head in Ligue 1: 52 wins for OL, 48 wins for ASSE, 38 draws (per L’Équipe)

How Did We Get Here?

The rivalry between OL and ASSE is one of the most intense in French football, rooted in regional pride and historical dominance. Saint-Étienne, based in the working-class city of the same name, was the undisputed king of French football in the 1960s and 1970s, winning seven of its 10 titles during that era. Lyon, meanwhile, emerged as a powerhouse in the early 2000s, securing seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles from 2002 to 2008—a record that still stands today.

Still, the past decade has seen a reversal of fortunes. While OL has remained a consistent contender, finishing in the top four in 10 of the last 15 seasons, ASSE has struggled with financial instability, managerial turnover, and a series of relegations. The club was relegated to Ligue 2 in 2022 and again in 2024, only to secure promotion back to the top flight each time. Their most recent return to Ligue 1 came in the 2025-26 season, but they have found it difficult to regain their footing.

In contrast, OL has maintained its status as a European contender, regularly qualifying for the UEFA Champions League and Europa League. The club’s ability to develop young talent—players like Alexandre Lacazette, Karim Benzema, and more recently, Rayan Cherki—has been a cornerstone of its success. This consistency has allowed OL to chip away at ASSE’s historical lead in wins, culminating in this historic overtaking.

The Derby That Defined the Moment

The shift in the all-time wins record was not the only dramatic development in the OL-ASSE rivalry this season. On April 20, 2026, the two clubs faced off in a highly charged Ligue 1 derby at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Étienne’s iconic home ground. The match, which ended in a 2-1 victory for ASSE, was a rare bright spot for Les Verts in an otherwise difficult campaign. It was likewise their first win over OL since February 2019, snapping a seven-match winless streak against their rivals.

The victory was particularly significant for ASSE, who had been struggling near the bottom of the Ligue 1 table. For OL, the loss was a setback in their push for a top-three finish, but it did little to dampen their overall momentum. The derby result, while key for ASSE’s morale, did not alter the broader trend: OL’s steady accumulation of wins has now officially surpassed Saint-Étienne’s historic total.

What This Means for Both Clubs

For Olympique Lyonnais

OL’s overtaking of ASSE in all-time Ligue 1 wins is a testament to the club’s consistency and ambition. While they may never match Saint-Étienne’s record of 10 titles, this milestone reinforces their status as one of the most successful clubs in French football history. With a strong youth academy and a clear vision for the future, OL is well-positioned to extend its lead in the coming years.

The club’s current manager, Laurent Blanc, has emphasized the importance of building on this momentum. “This is a historic achievement, but we are focused on the future,” Blanc said in a post-match interview after the Lorient win. “Our goal is to continue competing at the highest level, both domestically and in Europe.”

For AS Saint-Étienne

For ASSE, the milestone is a bitter pill to swallow. The club’s decline has been a source of frustration for its passionate fanbase, who have seen their team relegated twice in the past four years. While the recent derby win over OL provided a brief respite, the broader challenges remain. ASSE is currently battling to avoid relegation once again, sitting just two points above the drop zone with six matches remaining in the 2025-26 season.

Christophe Pélissier, the manager of AJ Auxerre (not ASSE, but a notable figure in French football), recently commented on the struggles of clubs like ASSE. “It’s never easy to rebuild after relegation,” Pélissier told L’Équipe earlier this month. “The key is to stay patient and trust the process. Saint-Étienne has a rich history, and I believe they will discover their way back to the top.”

The Broader Implications for Ligue 1

The shift in the all-time wins record is more than just a statistical curiosity—it reflects the evolving landscape of French football. Ligue 1 has long been dominated by a handful of clubs, with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) emerging as the clear frontrunner in the past decade. However, the competition for the remaining top spots has become increasingly fierce, with clubs like OL, AS Monaco, and OGC Nice vying for European qualification.

For ASSE, the challenge is to reclaim its status as a Ligue 1 powerhouse. The club’s recent struggles have been compounded by financial difficulties, which have limited its ability to compete in the transfer market. However, with a passionate fanbase and a rich history, ASSE has the potential to bounce back. The question is whether they can do so quickly enough to avoid another relegation battle.

For OL, the focus is on maintaining their momentum. While they may never match PSG’s dominance, the club’s ability to consistently finish in the top four has made them a fixture in European competitions. The overtaking of ASSE in all-time wins is a symbolic achievement, but it also serves as a reminder of the club’s enduring legacy in French football.

What’s Next for Both Clubs?

With the 2025-26 Ligue 1 season entering its final stretch, both OL and ASSE have critical matches ahead.

Olympique Lyonnais

OL’s next match is a home game against Stade Brestois 29 on May 2, 2026. A win would solidify their position in the top three and keep their hopes of Champions League qualification alive. The club is also set to face AS Monaco on May 16 in what could be a decisive match for European spots.

AS Saint-Étienne

ASSE’s immediate priority is securing their Ligue 1 status for next season. Their next match is against RC Lens on May 3, a must-win game if they are to avoid the relegation zone. The club’s final match of the season is against FC Nantes on May 23, a game that could determine their fate.

Key Takeaways

• Historic Milestone: Olympique Lyonnais has surpassed AS Saint-Étienne in all-time Ligue 1 victories, with 1,070 wins to ASSE’s 1,069.
• Symbolic Shift: The overtaking reflects OL’s consistency and ASSE’s recent struggles, including two relegations in the past four years.
• Derby Drama: ASSE’s 2-1 victory over OL on April 20, 2026, was their first win against their rivals since February 2019.
• European Ambitions: OL is pushing for a top-three finish to secure Champions League qualification, while ASSE is battling to avoid relegation.
• Legacy and Future: OL’s achievement underscores its status as one of France’s most successful clubs, while ASSE faces the challenge of rebuilding.

FAQ

Why is this milestone significant?

AS Saint-Étienne was once the most successful club in French football, with 10 Ligue 1 titles and a reputation as a dominant force. OL’s overtaking of ASSE in all-time wins marks a shift in the balance of power and reflects the changing dynamics of Ligue 1.

How did OL surpass ASSE in wins?

OL’s consistency in Ligue 1, combined with ASSE’s recent struggles and relegations, has allowed OL to steadily accumulate wins. OL has finished in the top four in 10 of the last 15 seasons, while ASSE has been relegated twice in the past four years.

What does this mean for ASSE’s future?

ASSE is currently battling to avoid relegation once again. The club’s financial difficulties and managerial instability have made it difficult to compete at the highest level. However, with a passionate fanbase and a rich history, ASSE has the potential to rebuild.

Will OL extend its lead over ASSE?

Given OL’s current form and ASSE’s struggles, This proves likely that OL will extend its lead in the coming seasons. However, football is unpredictable, and ASSE’s fortunes could change with the right investments and managerial decisions.

Final Thoughts

The overtaking of AS Saint-Étienne by Olympique Lyonnais in all-time Ligue 1 victories is a historic moment in French football. It reflects the enduring legacy of OL and the challenges faced by ASSE in recent years. As both clubs look ahead to the final matches of the 2025-26 season, the stakes could not be higher. For OL, the focus is on securing European qualification, while ASSE must fight to avoid relegation and start the process of rebuilding.

For fans of French football, this milestone is a reminder of the sport’s rich history and the ever-changing nature of competition. Whether OL can maintain its momentum or ASSE can rise again remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the rivalry between these two clubs will continue to captivate audiences for years to reach.

What do you think about this historic shift in French football? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation.