Olympique Lyonnais’ forward Kadidiatou Diani, who netted a double in the first leg of their semi-final clash with Arsenal, has already accumulated six Champions League goals this season. Each of these strikes has come at pivotal moments for the eight-time European champions and last season’s runners-up, who are eager to avenge their previous defeat.
Having been the top scorer in the Champions League last season, Diani is picking up where she left off.
She stands out as one of the most impactful players in this year’s competition (alongside Claudia Pina), contributing to 10 goals over nine matches—boasting six goals and four assists. This places her just three goals behind her Catalan counterpart as they head into a final that could see Lyon face off against Barcelona.
In the encounter against Arsenal, she was quick to put her team ahead, helping the Fenottes to a strong start against an underwhelming London outfit.
“My goal is to score as many goals as I can for my team. If I end up as the top scorer, that’s a bonus. If not, that’s just how it goes. What truly matters is that I’m able to support my team first and foremost,” she shared with Le Progres ahead of the second leg.
It’s safe to say that Lyon’s prolific striker has been an asset to her side this season, especially in a tournament they’ve already conquered eight times.
In the previous round against Bayern, the Ivry-sur-Seine native recorded a goal and provided two assists within just 15 minutes, effectively putting an end to any hopes of a German revival, following Klara Buhl’s opener in the 33rd minute.
This was a stellar performance similar to one she delivered in the group stage match versus Roma, where she came off the bench to score twice and assist another goal after Giulia Dragoni had put the Italians ahead.
Whenever Olympique Lyonnais faced challenging moments, Diani transformed into a game-changer, all while wearing a broad smile, having previously endured a season at Lyon that fell short of her league standards.
Now, stationed on the right side of a dynamic attack, she’s relishing every moment.
Rediscovering Her Form
In the 2024-25 season, Diani has tallied 16 goals and provided 10 assists across 27 games for Lyon. So, what has been the secret behind her successful season?
“Joe Montemurro encourages us to embrace what we enjoy, and he has developed a game plan that revolves around expansive play and battles,” the 30-year-old forward explained to L’Equipe.
“We appreciate this approach and have considerable freedom on the pitch. At times, I can interchange positions and play in the middle or on the left. The instructions might be in English, which can be a bit tricky, but I’m thoroughly enjoying myself.”
This season, Diani is supported by two incredibly quick forwards, Melchie Dumornay and Tabitha Chawinga, forming a fearsome attacking trio.
Dumornay transitioned from midfielder to a false-nine position under Montemurro’s guidance, and has recorded an impressive 20 goals and eight assists this season, surpassing Diani as the club’s leading scorer.
On the left flank, Chawinga has also experienced a season of transformation, arriving in summer as the league’s top scorer after an impressive run with PSG.
Diani’s daily training sessions are spent alongside two of the fastest players in the Champions League, with Chawinga clocking in at a remarkable top speed of 31.3 km/h, making her the fastest competitor in the tournament.
“Over time during training, we’ve begun to synchronise and understand each other’s preferences regarding the ball. Knowing we’ll share the pitch together compels us to familiarise ourselves with each other’s playstyles. We can feel our chemistry improving,” Dumornay remarked following their victory over PSG on January 18th.
Montemurro’s tactical style fits Diani like a glove: with the consistent interchange amongst the three forwards, the French international often finds space behind opposing defensive lines, threading her way through sometimes bordering on the offside trap, to finish with a solo effort down the middle.
This also enables her to effectively utilise her skills as a false nine, which she had to refine during her last season at Paris Saint-Germain due to Marie-Antoinette Katoto’s prolonged absence.
On and off the field, the winger radiates confidence. “I truly feel at home within the group and with my fellow players,” she confessed to Le Progres.
“The key is that when you feel good mentally, you also feel good physically on the pitch. I hope to maintain this momentum until the very end.”
Once quite private and reserved during her time at PSG, Diani’s vibrant personality is evident through the social media of her Lyon teammates, as she enthusiastically engages in TikTok trends led by Vanessa Gilles and Danielle van de Donk.
She also comfortably responds to friendly banter (in English) from American Lindsey Heaps whenever asked about her boyfriend, retorting with a cheeky, “He’s my cat.”
Her feline companion, Snow, occupies a significant portion of her TikTok content.
“You’ve got a cat now, and you’ve changed, Kadi,” teased a member of PSG’s communications team, reflecting the light-hearted camaraderie shared among the Lyon squad, indicative of the strong bonds they’ve formed.
However, Damaris Egurrola notes that Diani remains composed and focused when it comes to the match: “Diani is an exceptional player. She approaches big games with the same intensity as she does in training. She’s a talented player who can change the outcome of any match…”
“That’s the reason we’re among the top teams globally, surrounded by not only outstanding players but also great individuals who connect with one another.”
This conducive environment could very well assist Olympique Lyonnais in reclaiming the Champions League title, especially with the prospect of yet another final against Barcelona looming.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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