Jean-Michel Aulas

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Jean-Michel Aulas, born on March 22, 1949, in L’Arbresle in the Rhône, celebrates his 76th birthday in early 2026. You know, he is not just this big football boss, he is also an entrepreneur with a well-established reputation. In Lyon, his adopted city, he has been making a lot of noise, especially in recent months.

Actually, his life is a kind of unusual journey. What is often remembered is his almost mythical role at the head of Olympique lyonnais, where he left an indelible mark. But he is much more than just a club president, he is also a politician who is ambitiously launching into the municipal campaign.

I admit it’s crazy to see how, even at 76, he remains full of energy and projects. His campaign meeting in September 2025 gathered an impressive crowd, proof that his balance between business and politics still captures the attention of the Lyonnais.

To tell you, he bets a lot on his notoriety, his longevity too, to try to dethrone the green majority led by Grégory Doucet. And he does not lack ideas, especially with his famous projects like this idea of an urban forest in Lyon, which makes a big noise.

Jean-Michel Aulas: from the Lyon region to the heights of football

So, who really is this Lyon native we all know? Born in a small town near Lyon, he quickly made a name for himself in the business world before diving into the world of football. What I like is that he managed to stay true to his roots while climbing the success ladder.

Before touching football, he had a career as a young entrepreneur which prepared him to manage ambitious projects. And like many successful people, his journey was not without challenges, but he always knew how to bounce back. That’s where you understand the subtlety of his character even though he shows a certain strength.

With a stature that demands real charisma, he stands out in business. But nothing would have been the same without this passion for sport, which became a real driving force in his life. OL is his baby. Thanks to him, this club became a giant of French football, with a record that makes heads spin.

I like to think that his age is just a number. At 76, he still leads with the same energy, which strengthens the idea that youth of spirit is above all else. That said, he sometimes bogs down — notably with some tougher political debates, as shown by these tensions around the municipal budget.

An extraordinary career: from business to sports leadership

Let’s dive back into his successes. Before becoming Lyon’s icon, Aulas founded Cegid, a software company that became a pillar in its field. He is a true self-made man, you see? He found a balance between innovation and rigorous management that boosted his fortune.

He is not just any boss in football. Under his drive, OL went from a modest team to a mastodon with seven Ligue 1 championship titles. Frankly, managing that for so long commands respect, especially when you see the club’s evolution since the 1980s.

His influence clearly goes beyond the pitch: he is recognized in economic and political spheres. He is a man who never gives up, even if his style can sometimes irritate. His presence in Lyon’s business environment is very strong, and his fortune allows him to remain a key player.

His recent collaborations are also making waves. I’m thinking especially of his contacts with well-known political figures and his proposals to revitalize Lyon, where he hopes to officially take the mayor’s office. Not an easy task, with a very tense political context, but he is confident.

Private life: a discreet man despite his great notoriety

On a personal level, Aulas is less exposed, but we know he lives surrounded by his family. This more intimate side is often overshadowed by his public activities. He has managed to keep a balance between his personal and professional life, which is not given to everyone, especially with such a busy schedule.

A husband, a father, and a grandfather, even a great local patron, he wears several hats. What I find touching is his attachment to his children and his wish to pass on strong values. It’s reassuring to see this side of a man often perceived as very business-minded.

Sometimes, he half-talks about how his family helps him stay on course. In the ruthless world of sport and politics, it is a precious anchor. And for fun, we can also remember that he has a good sense of humor, especially when he rants about football anecdotes, which makes him more human.

What will always surprise is his ability to keep his feet on the ground despite his fortune, his stature in the Lyon landscape, and his age. He remains accessible in his speeches, even if his way of expressing himself can sometimes seem a bit old school. But well, that’s also what makes his unique charm.

Jean-Michel Aulas’ innovative projects and political ambitions

So in 2026, he is not resting at all: he wants to transform Lyon. His flagship idea? This urban forest project to cool the Rhône banks, which replicates a somewhat unprecedented model in France. A bold bet that shows he thinks long term.

He also intends to shake up traditional mayoral practices, for example by giving up his allowances if he is elected. A way for him to present himself as a candidate close to civil society, not just an imposing businessman. He clearly seeks to reconcile the Lyonnais.

Politically, there is a lot of movement. He positions himself as an outsider against Doucet, and the latest polls give him a good lead. His local alliances and his speech against decisions deemed too ecological put him in a very anticipated and particularly dynamic duel.

And let’s not forget his collaborations with other Lyon political figures; he is a man who knows how to surround himself and move the lines, even if it sometimes creates a bit of controversy. He takes responsibility, and frankly, you can feel he hasn’t said his last word in this campaign.

The keys to success and the unique personality of Jean-Michel Aulas

  • 🌟 A very strong long-term vision
  • 🏆 Solid experience in high-level sport
  • 🧩 An ability to unite despite opposition
  • 💼 An entrepreneurial journey that inspires
  • 🌿 A commitment to urban and ecological projects

All of this is what makes him a complex but fascinating figure. Anyone who does not know his complete biography risks missing out on a true Lyon character.

His speech always remains a bit peculiar, marked by his unique way of mixing business and passion for sport. You feel someone who lives for his projects and refuses to be overtaken by his age.

So yes, there may be a hint of provocation in his approach, but that is part of the character. Jean-Michel Aulas provokes and divides, but deep down, he also unites. You see the paradox?

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