Stade Rennais FC
French football team.
Stade Rennais Football Club, commonly known as Rennes, is a professional football club based in Rennes, France. Founded in 1901, the club has a long and storied history in French football. The team is nicknamed "Les Rouges et Noirs" (The Red and Blacks) due to its distinctive red and black striped jerseys. Rennes plays its home matches at Roazhon Park, a stadium that has undergone significant renovations since its opening in 1912, currently holding around 29,000 spectators.
Rennes has experienced varying degrees of success over the years. The club's first major achievement came in 1965 when they won their first Coupe de France title. This victory was a pivotal moment in the club's history, establishing Rennes as a competitive force in French football. They secured their first Ligue 1 title in 2006-07, marking a significant milestone as they had previously spent decades striving for top-flight success. This triumph was followed by consistent performances that allowed them to establish themselves as a regular competitor in Ligue 1.
In recent years, Rennes has emerged as a formidable team within the league, often competing for European qualification spots. Their resurgence can be attributed to a strong youth academy that has produced notable talents such as Ousmane Dembélé and Eduardo Camavinga, both of whom have gone on to achieve significant success at top clubs across Europe. The club's management has emphasized the importance of developing young players while also making strategic signings to bolster the squad.
Rennes has also made its mark on the European stage, with several appearances in UEFA competitions. Their most notable achievement came in the 2018-19 season when they reached the Round of 16 in the UEFA Europa League. The passionate fanbase at Roazhon Park creates an electrifying atmosphere during matches, making it one of the most challenging venues for visiting teams.
The rivalry with FC Nantes, known as "Le Derby de la Loire," is seen as one of the club's major fixtures each season.