Leny Yoro makes surprise flying return to former club after starring for Man Utd in vital win over Sunderland

After seven formative years at Lille, rising through their academy and racking up 60 senior appearances, Yoro’s return was nothing short of emotional. This wasn’t a typical visit either; the young star was invited onto the pitch before kick-off for a farewell moment that sent the Stade Pierre Mauroy crowd into raptures. As part of French football’s matchday traditions, Lille handed Yoro the honour of taking the ceremonial kick-off. 

Donning a Lille home shirt with “Yoro 15” emblazoned across the back, along with a club scarf and jeans, the teenager walked onto the pitch to thunderous applause. He shook hands with none other than Olivier Giroud, the 39-year-old French icon now leading Lille’s attack after his own Premier League adventures with Arsenal and Chelsea.

With a warm smile and a gentle tap of the ball, Yoro performed the honorary kick-off before waving to the fans who once watched him grow from a boy into one of Europe’s most coveted young defenders. The ovation that followed proved just how much affection Lille supporters still hold for their academy graduate.

Once the ceremonial duties were done, Yoro settled into the stands to enjoy an all-action Ligue 1 showdown. PSG drew first blood in the 66th minute through Nuno Mendes, the Portuguese wing-back finishing off a slick team move to silence the home supporters. But Lille, true to form, refused to roll over. Their persistence paid off late in the game when substitute Ethan Mbappe, the younger brother of global superstar Kylian, smashed home the equaliser. He marked the goal with his brother’s trademark arms-folded celebration, a moment that brought smiles across the stadium, including Kylian himself, who was watching proudly from the VIP seats.

After his sentimental return to France, Yoro’s focus now switches back to business. Following the international break, Manchester United face arch-rivals Liverpool at Anfield on October 19, and the young defender will be tasked with shackling the Reds' record-breaking signing, Alexander Isak, in front of the Kop.