Jonatan Giraldez, currently the head coach of the NWSL`s Washington Spirit, is reportedly planning to leave the club in June. His next destination is France`s OL Lyonnes, marking a transition between two teams both owned by American billionaire Michele Kang.
Sources indicate Giraldez is expected to depart the Spirit sometime before or during the NWSL`s summer break, which commences the week of June 23rd. Adrian Gonzalez, who presently serves as Giraldez`s assistant and acted as the Spirit`s interim head coach at the start of the 2024 season while Giraldez completed his three-year tenure at Barcelona, is anticipated to take over the head coaching duties.
While Gonzalez is considered a capable successor, Giraldez`s impending move comes as a degree of surprise. He had announced his departure from Barcelona in December 2023, citing “much bigger offers,” with reports suggesting his salary at the Spirit would be significantly higher. His recruitment was seen as a clear statement of intent from Kang, securing one of women`s soccer`s most prominent coaches; Giraldez had already won two UEFA Women`s Champions League titles before joining the Spirit.
Gonzalez is set to assume the top job after the Spirit reportedly declined multiple requests from other NWSL clubs wanting to interview him for their head coaching vacancies. This was done in apparent anticipation that Giraldez might return to Europe in the future. Giraldez will indeed be back in his home continent, yet he will continue working for the same owner, Michele Kang.
Giraldez did not officially commence his role at the Spirit until July of last year but rapidly adapted, guiding the team to the NWSL Championship final in November, where they lost 1-0 to first-time winners Orlando Pride. This successful run to the final, highlighted by performances from players like MVP candidate Trinity Rodman and Rookie of the Year Croix Bethune, was widely considered the initial phase of an ambitious long-term project.
Michele Kang has established herself as one of the most ambitious investors in women`s soccer in recent years, especially since becoming the majority owner of the Spirit in 2022. She has since expanded her investments to acquire the esteemed OL Lyonnes (known as Olympique Lyonnais until a recent rebrand), record eight-time Champions League winners, and England`s London City Lionesses. These three clubs operate under the umbrella of Kynisca Sports International, a London-based entity Kang launched last year that includes various other soccer-related interests the billionaire has pursued over time.
At OL Lyonnes, Giraldez is expected to succeed Joe Montemurro, who is reportedly likely to leave after one year in the position to manage Australia`s national team. OL Lyonnes secured a record-extending 18th domestic league title this season but were eliminated in the Champions League semifinals by eventual champions, Arsenal.
Benedict Kingsley 
Adrian Whitmore