Portland Thorns have loaned midfielder Lindsey Horan to French club Olympique Lyonnais until June 2023.
The Midfielder returns to France after she completed a four-year stint with Paris Saint-Germain from 2012 to 2016.
“Lindsey has been a massive part of this club’s success since her arrival in 2016, and we want to express how thankful we are for all she has contributed during that time,” Thorns general manager Karina LeBlanc said in a statement.
“We look forward to watching her succeed abroad while continuing to grow and develop.”
Horan signed a contract extension with the National Women’s Soccer League side before confirming the loan, keeping her with the Thorns through the end of the 2025 season. The midfielder also requested to play in Europe prior to signing the new deal.
“We have honored that request,” LeBlanc said in the statement. “We are thrilled she has signed an extension with the Thorns to offset this loan spell and we can’t wait to welcome her back to Portland after her time abroad.”
Horan recorded 25 goals and nine assists in 88 appearances for the Thorns. She won the 2018 NWSL MVP, and earned a spot in the NWSL Best XI twice, in 2018 and 2019.
Internationally, she holds 108 caps for the United States women’s national team and has managed 25 goals. In 2021, she was named US Soccer Female Player of the Year.
“I’d like to thank the club for allowing me to go on loan and have this opportunity to play in France,” Horan said in a statement.
“Being a Thorn is one of the most incredible things I’ve gotten a chance to feel during my time as a professional soccer player. While I am excited for this new experience, I take great pride in being a Portland Thorn. I am proud of this team’s success and I sincerely thank the club for making this happen.”