OL Lyonnes and FC Barcelona meet in the Champions League final. In Lyon they are also relying on the tricks and goals of Germany international Jule Brand.
Jule Brand flashed her shot at happiness over and over again on her cell phone. “If the goal was on Instagram or TikTok”said the national player to the Sports Information Service (SID), “I stayed on it and was happy to watch it again.”
Because it’s like this: The fact that Lyon is in a premier class final for the twelfth time is thanks to the fast dribbler. The goal that made it 3-1 in the second leg of the semi-final against defending champions FC Arsenal brought the French team there. “I don’t think I’ve ever felt happier in my life”said Brand to the German Press Agency (DPA).
For Brand, 23, it was the highlight since she moved from tranquil Wolfsburg to France last summer. Now the coronation will follow in the final against the world stars of “Barca” on Saturday (from 6 p.m. in the live ticker).
Brand about Barcelona: “Each of them can decide the game”
Record winner “OL” has already won the Champions League eight times. “Barca” was involved in six of the seven most recent finals; in 2021, 2023 and 2024, the stars selection around world footballers Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí triumphed. “Each of them can decide the game”says Brand. “We definitely know what to expect and have to be there from the first minute.”
Criticism of Brand was not uncommon
Brand’s start in Lyon was not an easy one. She wasn’t surprised by this: “It was my first time abroad, I didn’t know anyone, I knew I always needed a little bit – to get out of my comfort zone. I’m always rather reserved.” Then there was the language she didn’t speak. The training she found to be “harder” and “more intense.” And all the big names in Lyon. “I had a lot of respect for coming here.” Above all “such blatant names” like defense icon Wendie Renard or former world footballer Ada Hegerberg.
Brand has now been playing side by side with Renard and Hegerberg for almost a year. This is good for their own development. Brand has long been considered highly talented, but her performance has fluctuated. “I’ll just put it this way: With Jule, I think she’s at 50 percent or 60 percent,” Former national coach Horst Hrubesch once said. Wolfsburg’s long-time sports director Ralf Kellermann told “Kicker” in 2023: “If Jule wants to become a top player, she has to work hard on herself and live 100 percent for football.”
“One of our greatest talents”
With national coach Christian Wück, the fire as “free spirit” Estimates, the 73-time international player has long been a player, sometimes in the wing positions, sometimes as a playmaker. “Jule is one of our biggest talents in Germany. The move to Lyon shows how hungry she is”praised Nadine Keßler, UEFA women’s football director. “The DFB team will also benefit from their move to go abroad.”
Brand, who lives close to the city center in Lyon, now feels like she has arrived in France: “Lyon has become my home, and I think I noticed that on the pitch.” Through training she has become more explosive and more stable. And more efficient. Only Melchie Dumornay has collected six premier class scorer points (three goals, three assists) within the club. What’s still missing for them at the top is their first Champions League triumph.