FC Nantes
French football team.
Football Club de Nantes, commonly known as FC Nantes, is a professional football club based in Nantes, France. Founded on April 21, 1943, through the merger of five local amateur clubs, Nantes has established itself as one of the most respected and successful teams in French football history. The club is affectionately nicknamed "Les Canaris" (The Canaries) due to its iconic yellow and green colors, which have become synonymous with its identity.
Nantes plays its home matches at the Stade de la Beaujoire, a stadium that opened in 1984 and has a capacity of approximately 37,000 spectators. This venue has witnessed numerous memorable moments in the club's history and serves as a focal point for passionate fans who support their team through thick and thin. The club's previous home, Stade Marcel-Saupin, was used from 1937 until the move to La Beaujoire.
Over the decades, FC Nantes has achieved significant success in both domestic and international competitions. The club has won the Ligue 1 title eight times, with their first championship coming in 1965. This victory marked the beginning of a golden era for Nantes under the management of José Arribas, who instilled a collective style of play known as "jeu à la nantaise." This approach emphasized teamwork and fluid passing, leading to two consecutive league titles in 1965 and 1966.
In addition to their league successes, FC Nantes has also claimed four Coupe de France titles and one Coupe de la Ligue trophy. Their first Coupe de France victory came in 1979 when they defeated Nice 3-0. The club reached its zenith during the late 1990s when they secured two more league titles and back-to-back Coupe de France wins in 1999 and 2000. Notably, they reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League in the 1995-96 season but were eliminated by Juventus.
Throughout its history, FC Nantes has been a breeding ground for talent, producing several players who have gone on to achieve international acclaim. Notable alumni include Didier Deschamps, Claude Makélélé, Marcel Desailly, and Christian Karembeu—each of whom played pivotal roles in France's World Cup-winning squad in 1998. The club's youth academy has consistently provided a steady stream of skilled players who embody the club's philosophy.
Despite periods of decline and relegation—most notably between 2007 and 2013—Nantes has shown resilience and determination to return to Ligue 1. The club reverted to its original name from FC Nantes Atlantique in 2007 and has since worked hard to regain its status among France's elite teams. Recent seasons have seen them compete for mid-table positions while aiming for European qualification. Rennes is seen as the club's biggest regional rival.