Lyon looking to return to prominence with new American owner, John Textor

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The last time Lyon won the French league title in 2008, the club's new American owner was celebrating a prize of his own.

John Textor's visual effects company won an Academy Award for its groundbreaking work on the making of "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," a huge box office hit starring Brad Pitt.

Lyon's fans will be hoping Textor's arrival has a special effect on the club's flagging fortunes.

In the years since the last of seven straight titles, Lyon has faded as Paris Saint-Germain's grip on French soccer tightened under its cash-rich Qatari ownership. Since QSI's takeover in June 2011, PSG has won eight titles and Lyon has finished runner-up only twice.

Lyon's run of titles from 2001-08 made it the powerhouse of French soccer as players like Real Madrid great Karim Benzema emerged through the club's renowned youth academy, and others like free-scoring Brazil midfielder Juninho or Ghana's ball-winning Michael Essien made their name.

But after Bordeaux ended Lyon's run in 2009, the club's fortunes dipped — despite a continuous flow of young talent. Juninho's spell as sporting director didn't work out and he left last December.

The club finished in a dismal eighth place last season and 25 points behind PSG. Ten league losses and 51 goals conceded — the most goals allowed by any club in the top 10 — made for grim statistics.

Something had to change and longtime owner Jean-Michel Aulas — who bought the club 35 years ago and oversaw its rise — gambled on Textor.

Right away, Textor endeared himself to Lyon's fanbase with a timely swipe.

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