Giráldez to leave Spirit for OL Lyonnes; González to become head coach in Washington

Adrian Gonzalez (L) and Jonatan Giraldez (Amber Searls-Imagn Images)

Jonatan Giráldez has officially been announced as the new head coach of eight-time European women’s champions OL Lyonnes, exiting as Washington Spirit head coach after less than a year in charge.

Spirit assistant coach Adrián González will take over as the new head coach of Washington. He was the interim coach last spring while the team waited for the arrival of Giráldez from FC Barcelona. González’s appointment will take effect July 18, ahead of the NWSL’s second half of the season.

The OL Lyonnes job opened after Joe Montemurro left his head-coaching position after one season in charge. Montemurro was announced as the new head coach of the Australia women’s national team on Monday in Australia.

Both the Washington Spirit and OL Lyonnes, which was recently rebranded from Olympique Lyonnais, are owned by Michele Kang through her multi-club company, Kynisca.

“Jonatan’s commitment to excellence and performance is unmatched,” Kang said in a statement. “His leadership, tactical acumen, and dedication to player development will propel our club to the next level, both domestically and internationally.

“We are grateful for his decision to remain part of the Kynisca family. He will play a crucial role in elevating OL Lyonnes to new heights for the players and fans.”

OL Lyonnes won an 18th league title in the past 19 seasons in France this year but got eliminated from the UEFA Champions League in the semifinals by eventual champions Arsenal, who beat Barcelona in the final on May 24.

The 33-year-old Giráldez won back-to-back UEFA Women’s Champions League titles with FC Barcelona in 2023 and 2024 before joining the Spirit. Barcelona beat OL Lyonnes in the 2024 final, and Giráldez was in his first season in charge of Barcelona when the team lost the 2022 Champions League final to OL Lyonnes.

“I am honored and excited to join OL Lyonnes,” Giráldez said in a statement. “The club’s history, ambition, and talented squad represent a fantastic opportunity, and I look forward to building on the club’s successes as it enters a new chapter.”

Giráldez will depart the Spirit having coached half a season each in 2024 and 2025. He guided the Spirit to a win over the Orlando Pride in March’s NWSL Challenge Cup, a one-off Community Shield-style game to open the season.

González compiled a 10-4-1 record as interim coach in the first half of the 2024 season, helping the Spirit finish second in the NWSL Shield race and runners-up in the playoffs. Washington’s 18 victories tied a single-season record with the Orlando Pride, who won the double last year.

“I am excited and honored to become the head coach of the Spirit,” González said. “Our focus remains on continuing to deliver performances that make our fans proud. I want to thank Jona for his leadership and friendship over the years, and I look forward to continuing to build upon the foundation we have established together.”

Prior to joining the Spirit, González was the head coach of RCD Espanyol in Spain, leading the team to promotion to Liga F, Spain’s top flight.

“Adrián has proven that he is ready for this role,” Kang said in a statement. “He knows the team and has earned this organization’s trust through his hard work and dedication. I am looking forward to watching what this team can achieve this season and beyond under his leadership.”

Washington sits in fourth place (6-3-1, 19 pts.) in the NWSL with three games remaining before the league’s summer break. The Spirit continue to deal with a long injury list, including the ongoing absence of United States star forward Trinity Rodman due to a chronic back injury.

Including interim coaches, the Spirit have had six different coaches in charge for more than one game since the end of 2021. González is among them and will soon begin his second stint — and first on a full-time basis.

Mark Krikorian left the team earlier this year after his contract expired for his role as president of soccer operations and general manager.

Kang also owns the London City Lionesses, who earned promotion to England’s top flight ahead of next season.