Tributes pour in after death of Fleury Di Nallo as Saint-Étienne hails a formidable rival | OneFootball

Olympique Lyonnais legend Fleury Di Nallo has died aged 83, prompting tributes from across French football, including rivals AS Saint-Étienne.

Lyon announced the death on Wednesday and hailed their all-time top scorer, who struck 222 goals and starred in the 1960s and 1970s. The club also recalled his nickname, the 'Petit Prince de Gerland'. Chief executive Michael Gerlinger said Di Nallo left a lasting mark and embodied the club’s early values, citing instinctive talent, passion, simplicity and a rare bond with supporters.

Former president Jean-Michel Aulas paid homage on X, calling Di Nallo one of Lyon’s greats, faithful and passionate, and recalling his close friendship with Bernard Lacombe, who died less than a year ago. He wrote that he likes to believe the pair are reunited in peace, proud of what they built and passed on to OL.

Saint-Étienne posted that great derbies need formidable opponents, and said Di Nallo was one of them, offering condolences to his loved ones. Montpellier, where he played from 1975 to 1977 at the dawn of Louis Nicollin’s project, saluted him as a pioneer of La Paillade.

The French Football Federation praised his talent, technique, finishing and loyalty, noting these opened the door to France, where he won 10 caps and scored 8 goals. The Professional Football League also honoured him as a major figure of Lyon and French football, while the UNFP said he marked generations with talent, loyalty and elegance.

Source: L'Équipe