Lyon 2011-12 Adidas Bastos Home Vintage Jersey

Lyon 2011-12 Adidas Jersey – The M. Bastos print, a rare piece from the post-domination era

The 2011-12 season, Olympique Lyonnais was going through a pivotal period: the seven consecutive titles were a distant memory, the club was looking to reinvent itself, and on the left flank, Míchel Bastos was one of the few who could single-handedly get Gerland on its feet. This Adidas home jersey with M. Bastos printing – an authentic worn item – perfectly encapsulates that suspended moment between a bygone era and a future reconstruction, materialized in fabric.

Jersey details

Season: 2011-2012
Club: Olympique Lyonnais
Type: Home
Equipment supplier: Adidas
Sponsor: EVEREST POKER
Condition: 8/10
State: SLIGHTLY USED PRINTINGS – authentic wear of a vintage worn jersey

What this jersey represents

In 2011-12, OL was no longer the Ligue 1 steamroller that had crushed everyone since 2002. The machine had stalled, Bordeaux and Lille had gained ground, and Lyon had to fight to secure a podium spot. It was an uncomfortable time for Rhône fans, but a fascinating one for collectors: the club was in full mutation, the teams were less bankable but so much more human. The Everest Poker sponsor on the front of the jersey is itself a strong historical marker, a nod to a period when online gaming operators were massively entering European football.

On the pitch, the squad remained high quality. Míchel Bastos, the Brazilian who arrived in 2010, was one of Gerland's darlings – a devastating left foot, capable of crossing, shooting, and dribbling past defenders. Around him were Lisandro López, the adopted Argentine Lyonnais, Bafétimbi Gomis up front, and Kim Källström in midfield. It was a team with character, strong individual talents, even if the consistency of the past was no longer present every weekend.

Moments etched into this jersey

The 2011-12 Champions League: group stage exit
Lyon was drawn into a group with Ajax, Real Madrid, and Dinamo Zagreb. After holding Real at Gerland, Les Gones finished third and were relegated to the Europa League – a disappointment, but a European night in the Champions League in this jersey remains a collector's item.

Bastos, the man of decisive actions
During this season, the Brazilian played important matches in Ligue 1 and regularly proved decisive from set pieces or through his attacking runs. Wearing his name on the back of this jersey means choosing one of the most electric players of Lyon's post-domination era.

Reconstruction after the era of seven titles
This 2011-12 season symbolically marks the end of a cycle and the beginning of a reconstruction that would culminate years later under Genesio then Garcia. Owning this jersey means possessing a textile document from a pivotal period in the club's history.

Authentic vs. Replica

An authentic vintage jersey – also called a "player issue" or official store authentic – has a different cut than the mass-market replica, more precise Adidas finishing details, and higher quality heat-sealed or embroidered prints. This is the jersey that players actually wore during training and official matches, not a lighter version intended for the stands. The difference is felt in the hand, in the drape of the fabric, in every detail.

This one displays an 8/10 condition with slight wear on the prints – what is called "slightly used printings." This is a sign of its history, not a disqualifying defect. It means that this jersey has been worn, that it has a real story, and that the prints have aged in the same way as in any professional locker room. For a serious collector, this authentic patina is more valuable than a replica fresh out of its plastic bag.

Vintage size guide

Adidas jerseys from the early 2010s generally run smaller than current standards. A Large from 2011-12 often corresponds to a contemporary Medium according to current measurements. This is not an absolute rule, but it is the general trend for this period, and it's good to know before ordering.

Before any purchase, measure your chest circumference and torso length with a tape measure, and compare with the exact measurements of the jersey available on the product sheet. Do not rely solely on your usual modern jersey size – you might be unpleasantly surprised. A vintage jersey that is too small is unforgiving, and it's a shame for a piece in this condition.

Why have it in your collection

A Bastos-printed Lyon jersey from the 2011-12 season is a piece you don't come across every week on sales platforms. The Brazilian left a lasting impression on Lyon fans without being a global superstar in the broader sense – which paradoxically makes it a sought-after print by true connoisseurs, those who know exactly why that name is meaningful. Jerseys printed with specific players from this period are increasingly rare to find in good condition, and their value is not going down.

In 8/10 condition, this jersey is at the higher end for an authentic of its age. The slight wear on the prints does not compromise the readability of the printing or the overall solidity of the fabric. There aren't many in this condition on the market – most jerseys of this generation have suffered much more severe damage in drawers or attics. This one has been respected.

To go further

• Lyon – Wikipedia
• Football Kit Archive – History of jerseys
• Ligue 1 – Official Website
• UEFA – European Football

If you are an OL fan or simply a lover of pieces that tell a real story, this jersey deserves your display case – no need for words, just an obvious truth.