Stade Malherbe Caen

French football team.

Stade Malherbe Caen, commonly known as SM Caen, is a professional football club based in Caen, Normandy, France. Founded in 1913 through the merger of Club Malherbe Caennais and Club Sportif Caennais, the club gained professional status in 1985. Caen made its debut in the top flight of French football in 1988 and has since experienced a rollercoaster of promotions and relegations.

The club's early years were spent primarily in amateur leagues until it achieved promotion to Division 2 in 1934. However, financial difficulties led to a drop back down the divisions. After becoming a professional club, SM Caen steadily climbed the ranks, reaching Ligue 1 for the first time in 1988. The pinnacle of their success came during the early 1990s when they finished fifth in Division 1 in the 1991-92 season, marking one of their best performances.

Throughout its history, SM Caen has had a fluctuating presence in Ligue 1. The club was relegated back to Ligue 2 after a brief stint in the top tier but managed to return to Ligue 1 multiple times over the years. Notable promotions occurred in the 2009-10 season and again in 2013-14 when they secured their place back in the top division. However, they faced relegation again after the 2018-19 season, which marked their most recent drop from Ligue 1.

In addition to league play, SM Caen has had some involvement in domestic cup competitions. The club reached the final of the Coupe de la Ligue in the 2005-06 season but fell short of securing silverware. Their participation in these tournaments has often provided opportunities for notable matchups against higher-ranked teams.