French women's soccer legend Wendie Renard and comedian Laurent Gerra have been chosen to join Lyon's famous Lyonnais Mural, a prestigious honor that celebrates the city's most distinguished residents. The two personalities will be added to the iconic artwork located along the Saône River in the 1st arrondissement, joining 36 other illustrious figures who have shaped Lyon's history.
The selection came after the removal of Abbé Pierre from the mural prompted artists from Cité Création to launch a public voting campaign for new local personalities to join the celebrated artwork. According to information from Le Progrès newspaper, Renard, the legendary Olympique Lyonnais women's team player and former French national team captain with 164 international appearances, received 420 votes from over 4,500 participants. Gerra, the popular comedian originally from Ain who began his career in Lyon on the slopes of Croix-Rousse, garnered 357 votes to secure his spot.
Rendard expressed her overwhelming joy at the honor, telling the local newspaper, "In my wildest dreams, I never thought I would be featured there. It's a source of pride for me to join the people who have marked the history of OL and the city of Lyon. To be included is gratifying for me. I accept the place they are giving me." The soccer star's inclusion recognizes her extraordinary contribution to women's football and her role in elevating Lyon's international sporting reputation.
For Gerra, the nomination represents a dream come true, comparing the honor to receiving the Legion of Honor. The comedian's selection acknowledges his significant impact on French entertainment and his deep roots in the Lyon region, where he launched his successful career in comedy.
The Lyonnais Mural has become one of Lyon's premier tourist attractions since its inauguration in 1995, drawing more than one million visitors annually. The massive artwork already features prominent Lyon figures including journalist Bernard Pivot, renowned chef Paul Bocuse, filmmaker Bertrand Tavernier, author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, former mayor Édouard Herriot, economist Jean-Baptiste Say, and Roman Emperor Claudius.
In the upcoming renovation, Renard will take the place currently occupied by Bernard Lacombe, while Gerra will replace Frédéric Dard. Both Lacombe and Dard, who are also notable Lyon figures, will be repositioned higher up on the mural rather than being removed entirely. The artists at Cité Création are expected to announce four to five additional Lyon personalities by spring 2026, with names like actress Florence Foresti, creator Alexandre Astier, legendary chef Mère Brazier, and cultural figures Thierry Frémaux and Stéphane Bern being frequently mentioned as potential candidates.
The actual artistic work to incorporate the new figures into the painted wall is scheduled to take place during 2026 and 2027, when Cité Création's artists will design and paint the representations of Renard, Gerra, and the other selected personalities onto this celebrated tribute to Lyon's most influential residents.
