The 2000-2001 season was a watershed year in the history of Olympique Lyonnais. After a lukewarm 1999-2000 season, where the club finished 7th in Ligue 1, expectations were high. President Jean-Michel Aulas made bold moves by appointing Paul Le Guen as coach, a decision that would prove pivotal.

Le Guen quickly implemented a style of play that favored possession and fluidity, maximizing the talents of an evolving squad. With players like Juninho Pernambucano, who would become one of the best free-kick takers in history, and a young Eric Abidal, Lyon began to shine on the pitch. The club finished the season with an impressive total of 64 points, winning 18 matches, and secured a 3rd place finish, thus qualifying for the Champions League.

But what truly marked this season was Lyon's ability to compete with the top teams in Ligue 1, notably AS Monaco and Olympique de Marseille. The match against Marseille at the Stade Vélodrome, where the club managed a 1-1 draw, was a key moment that bolstered the team's confidence. Lyon demonstrated that they could compete with the best and that the club was ready to enter a new era.

The end of the season saw Lyon preparing for the following season with renewed ambitions. The club continued to invest in promising talents and began attracting renowned players. This was the start of a series of successes that would culminate in seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles between 2002 and 2008.

Thus, the revolution of 2001 was more than just a performance improvement; it marked the beginning of an unprecedented dominance in French football. Les Gones, with their attractive style of play and young talents, captivated the hearts of supporters and forever changed the landscape of football in France.