Stade Rennais F.C.

Stade Rennais Football Club, often simply called Rennes, stands as a prominent fixture in French football. Based in the historic city of Rennes in Brittany, the club competes at the highest level of the sport in France, Ligue 1. Their home ground, Roazhon Park, is a lively venue for supporters who follow the team's fortunes. The club operates under the ownership of Artémis, the investment firm headed by businessman François Pinault, with Olivier Cloarec serving as president.

Founded in 1901, Stade Rennais is one of the original clubs in the French top division. They hold a significant regional rivalry with FC Nantes, a contest known as the Derby Breton. While the club has yet to claim a Ligue 1 title, they have achieved a third-place finish, most recently in the 2019-20 season when it was cut short. Rennes has a proud history in cup competitions, securing the Coupe de France three times in 1965, 1971, and 2019. The 1971 victory notably coincided with a change in the club's official name to its current iteration, though their distinctive red, black, and white colors have remained constant since their founding.

A major strength of Stade Rennais lies in its celebrated youth academy, the Henri Guérin Training Centre, established in 2000. This academy received recognition from the French Football Federation in 2010 as the nation's best. The academy's under-19 squad has achieved considerable success, winning the prestigious Coupe Gambardella four times. The development pipeline has nurtured a remarkable array of talent, including players like Ousmane Dembélé, Eduardo Camavinga, and Mathys Tel, who have gone on to make their mark on the international stage. [edit]

The club was established on March 10, 1901, as Stade Rennais. They have been a consistent presence in French football's top flight for much of their history. Their most significant domestic cup success came with three Coupe de France titles, lifting the trophy in 1965, 1971, and most recently in 2019. The 2019 final was a dramatic victory over Paris Saint-Germain, decided on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw. This cup success is a highlight for a club that has yet to win the Ligue 1 championship, though they have finished as runners-up on occasion and secured a third-place finish in the 2019-20 season.

In February 2026, Stade Rennais made headlines by defeating Paris Saint-Germain 3-1, a significant result that came just four days after parting ways with coach Habib Beye. The club also continues to update its image, revealing new kits. The 2026-27 away kit draws inspiration from the Kroaz Du, a Breton flag, while the home kit for the same season features designs reminiscent of the region's distinctive timber-framed architecture. These reflect the club's strong connection to its Brittany roots. [edit]