Stade de Reims

French football team.

Stade de Reims is a professional football club located in the historic city of Reims, France. Founded in 1911, the club has a storied past and is known for its distinctive red and white colors, earning it the nickname "Les Rouges et Blancs." Stade de Reims plays its home matches at the Stade Auguste Delaune, which has a capacity of approximately 21,668 spectators. This stadium has been the club's home since 1935 and is well-regarded for its modern facilities and vibrant atmosphere during matches.

Historically, Stade de Reims was one of the most successful clubs in French football, particularly during the 1950s. The team won six French league titles, with victories in the seasons of 1948/49, 1952/53, 1954/55, 1957/58, 1959/60, and 1961/62. This era is often referred to as the club's golden age, marked by an attacking style of play known as "champagne football," which was characterized by skillful and dynamic play. Under the management of Albert Batteaux, the team featured legendary players like Raymond Kopa and Just Fontaine. Kopa, who later became a star at Real Madrid, was instrumental in leading Reims to two European Cup finals in 1956 and 1959, although they were defeated by Real Madrid on both occasions.

Despite its illustrious history, Stade de Reims faced significant challenges in subsequent decades. The club experienced financial difficulties that led to relegation from Ligue 1 and even bankruptcy in the early 1990s. After rebranding and a period of rebuilding, Stade de Reims returned to professional status in 1999. The club made its way back to Ligue 1 in the 2012-13 season after spending over three decades outside the top tier.

In recent years, Stade de Reims has worked to re-establish itself as a competitive force in French football. The team has focused on developing young talent and building a squad capable of challenging for mid-table positions in Ligue 1.