Keen-eyed viewers recently noticed the Olympique Lyon home kit had a new look, in a recent league fixture against Metz. The game took place during November, also known as the month of Movember, and this cause was the one Lyon was recognising. Movember has become a popular movement in recent years, a month-long campaign to raise awareness for men’s mental health, testicular cancer and prostate cancer. Often during this month, men grow out their moustaches in support, hence the term Movember.
A representative design of this ilk was spotted on Lyon’s home kit. Sandwiched neatly between the club badge and the Adidas logo, a curled moustache takes centre stage, the word “Movember” just visible above. A small gesture, but a respected one, and a sign that the game goes beyond the physical feats and spectacle of the sport.
Players are people too and many players suffer from mental health and other such related off-field issues. Lyon showing their support was a gesture more often needed in professional sports. Following the game, the shirts worn during the match were auctioned off, with all the proceeds going towards the Movember Foundation charity. In a season of serial disappointment for the fans, who have seen their side flounder in the relegation zone, the decision to show support for Movember is one of the few positives Lyon has had this season. A beautiful kit and gesture released by Olympique Lyon this season.
