In Madrid on Tuesday night, Michele Kang’s work across Lyon’s football landscape received a landmark recognition. The Olympique Lyonnais president was named Best Executive at the World Football Summit 2026 Awards, becoming the first woman to win the distinction.
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Kang, who serves as president of both Lyon clubs, was honoured for an influence reaching beyond the Rhône. Her football portfolio also includes England’s London City Lionesses and the Washington Spirit in the United States.
The award jury highlighted her impact in men’s and women’s football on both sides of the Atlantic, with particular attention paid to her attempt to establish a global multi-club structure designed specifically for the women’s game.
Her approach to building organisations around sustainable, long-term performance was also recognised at the ceremony. The World Football Summit Awards celebrate executives and institutions shaping football’s future.
Kang said she was “deeply honoured” by the award and underlined the importance of becoming its first female recipient.
“This recognition for my work in football, and being the first woman to receive this award, is especially meaningful,” she said. “I hope it also reflects the increasing role women are playing in leading and developing football at every level.”
Her position at Lyon expanded in June 2025. Already in charge of OL Féminin, now known as OL Lyonnes, Kang replaced John Textor as Olympique Lyonnais president and OL Groupe chief executive.
That appointment came during a difficult period for the Ligue 1 side, which was facing the possibility of an administrative relegation to Ligue 2 by the DNCG.
