Le Stade Rennais Football Club, established on March 10, 1901, stands as one of the historical pillars of French football. Based in Rennes, Brittany, the club has navigated through various eras, experiencing highs and lows, while consistently striving to assert itself on the national and European stage.
The Beginnings of Stade Rennais
The history of Stade Rennais began at the dawn of the 20th century when former students decided to create an all-sports club in Rennes. Football quickly emerged as the primary activity. In 1902, the club joined the USFSA federation and became a founding member of the Brittany Football League. By the second season, Stade Rennais clinched the competition by defeating FC Rennais 4-0 in the final. The club then was named Stade Rennais Université Club (SRUC) after fusioning with FC Rennais in order to create the best club in the region. The red and black colors were adopted because FC Rennais, founded by students of anarcho-syndicalist leanings, was older.
Early Competitions and Developments
In 1918, Stade Rennais participated in the first edition of the Coupe de France, reaching the quarter-finals before losing to FC Lyon. The club showcased its prowess in the 1922 Coupe de France by defeating notable teams such as Le Havre AC, Olympique Lillois, and Olympique de Paris. However, in 1923, a juridico-sporting imbroglio led to their elimination despite initially winning against AS Française Paris.
The 1960s: The Golden Age
The 1960s marked a golden era for the club. In 1965, Stade Rennais won its first Coupe de France by defeating UA Sedan-Torcy in the final. This victory was followed by a second title in 1971 against Olympique Lyonnais. These successes allowed the club to participate in the European Cup Winners' Cup, offering international visibility. Jean Prouff, a midfielder who first arrived at Stade Rennais in 1936, managed the team during both Coupe de France victories in 1965 and 1971. He was named "Coach of the Century" during the club's centennial in 2001.
The team of Stade Rennais with the cup in 1965 (photo Michelowski).
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Challenges in the 1980s and 1990s
After the successes of the 1960s and 1970s, Stade Rennais faced more challenging times. The 1980s and 1990s were marked by relegations to Division 2 and financial difficulties. However, the club managed to return to the top division in 1994, thanks to restructuring and the emergence of young talents. Alfred Houget became president in May 1977 when the club faced significant financial difficulties. With municipal assistance, he worked to prevent judicial liquidation.
The Renewal of the 2000s
The arrival of the Pinault Group in 1998 marked a turning point for Stade Rennais. Significant investments were made, allowing the club to stabilize in Ligue 1 and develop its training center. This strategy bore fruit with the emergence of players such as Yoann Gourcuff, Sylvain Wiltord, and Yann M’Vila. In August 1999, for his first season as head of the Rennes team, Paul Le Guen finished in 5th place in the championship. The Rennais were therefore qualified for the Intertoto Cup and reached the final.
The Training Center: A Nursery of Talents
Stade Rennais is renowned for the quality of its training center. Numerous players from the academy have shone on the national and international stage. Among them, Ousmane Dembélé, transferred to Borussia Dortmund in 2016 for 35 million euros, and Eduardo Camavinga, who left for Real Madrid in 2021 for 31 million euros. These transfers testify to the club's ability to develop world-class talents. The Club is also famous for its reputed Training Centre, which is one the best in Europe. Many members of the current squad of Stade Rennais were trained in this center. Moreover Stade Rennais has set up the Red and Black Academy, which includes the Football College, the Training Centre and the Amateur Section, offering a wide range of training programs.
Roazhon Park: A Modern Stadium
Stade Rennais plays at Roazhon Park, formerly known as Stade de la Route de Lorient. Inaugurated in 1912, the stadium has undergone several renovations to reach its current capacity of over 29,000 seats. It offers a warm atmosphere and is renowned for the fervor of its supporters.
Presentation of Roazhon Park
Roazhon Park, located in Rennes, is the stadium where Stade Rennais Football Club plays its home matches. With a capacity of nearly 30,000 seats, it is one of the most emblematic stadiums in Brittany. Built in 1912, it has undergone several renovations, notably in 2004 and 2015, to meet modern football standards. The stadium was remodelled and renamed Roazhon Park in 2015 and is the largest in western France.
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History and Evolution
Formerly called Stade de la Route de Lorient, it was renamed Roazhon Park in 2015, with “Roazhon” being the translation of “Rennes” in Breton. This change marks a desire to affirm the regional identity of the club and strengthen the bond with its supporters.
The stadium has hosted numerous major events:
- Ligue 1 matches and European cups
- Coupe Gambardella finals
- 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup
- Concerts and other sporting events
Atmosphere and Supporters
Roazhon Park is known for its exceptional atmosphere, driven by its fervent supporters, including the Roazhon Celtic Kop (RCK), who animate the stands with chants, tifos, and flares. The atmosphere is particularly electric during the Breton derby against FC Nantes or European matches.
Access and Ticketing
The stadium is easily accessible by public transport, including bus and metro from downtown Rennes. Tickets to attend matches can be purchased online on the official Stade Rennais website, at the stadium ticket offices, or via specialized platforms.
Why Visit Roazhon Park?
Whether to experience an intense evening of football, discover a place steeped in history, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, a visit to Roazhon Park is an unmissable experience for any football and Breton culture enthusiast. As Edmond Hervé, mayor of Rennes from 1977 to 2008, noted, "A city needs structuring monuments and places of popular identification. The Route-de-Lorient is an enclosure full of history and emotion."
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Supporters: An Unwavering Fervor
The supporters of Stade Rennais, nicknamed the "Rouge et Noir" (Red and Black), are known for their passion and loyalty. The club has several supporter groups, including the RCK (Roazhon Celtic Kop), which animates the stands during home and away matches.
European Ambitions
In recent years, Stade Rennais has established itself on the European stage. The club has participated in the Europa League on several occasions and even experienced the Champions League during the 2020-2021 season. These experiences reinforce the club's ambition to establish itself permanently among the elite of European football. The Club has also kickstarted several social and charitable initiatives to tackle issues around employment, underprivileged neighbourhoods and the promotion of physical activity through its ‘Bouge!’ (Move!) programme.
Breton Identity: A Fundamental Value
Stade Rennais proudly carries the colors of Brittany and the department. This regional identity is at the heart of the club's values, which engages in various actions to promote Breton culture and support local initiatives. The patte d’hermine is to Brittany what the galette-saucisse is to Rennes, a symbol known to all. The motto of Brittany: “Kentoc’h mervel eget bezan saotret”, “Rather death than defilement”.
The Current Squad of Stade Rennais: A Mix of Experience and Youth
For the 2024-2025 season, Stade Rennais has a squad combining experience and youth. Players like Steve Mandanda, an emblematic goalkeeper, bring their experience, while young talents like Arnaud Kalimuendo embody the club's future.
Notable Coaches
Over the years, several coaches have marked the history of Stade Rennais. Pierre Phelipon, Jean Prouff, Christian Gourcuff, and Julien Stéphan have contributed to the development and success of the club. Their legacy endures and inspires current generations. Julien Stéphan, who was a trainer for six years, was entrusted with the mission of taking charge of the first team in December 2018. The start was celebrated by a 2-0 victory in Lyon two days later. The result was radiant as he and his players signed a historic season by qualifying the club for the round of 16 of the Europa League and winning the third Coupe de France for Stade Rennais F.C. against Paris SG on April 27, 2019. He is currently the only club coach to have taken the people of Rennes to the Champions League.
Club Records
Stade Rennais holds several notable records, particularly in terms of individual and collective performances. These exploits testify to the richness of the club's history and its evolution over the decades. Romain Danzé, who joined the training center in 2001, holds the record of 376 matches played for the club.
Key Figures in Stade Rennais History
Isidore Odorico
Isidore Odorico marked Stade Rennais and the history of French football. Nicknamed "Dodor," Isidore Odorico remained President of Stade Rennais Université Club until 1938. He was partly responsible for football becoming professional. Dreaming of professional players, he campaigned for the creation of a professional French championship, an initiative that led to his exclusion from the amateur football league.
Jean Prouff
Born in Peillac (Morbihan) in 1919, this midfielder first arrived at Stade Rennais in 1936, where he also practiced athletics. He became an international player in 1946 (17 selections) and then French champion with Reims in 1949. As a coach, he led the Stade Rennais teams during the two Coupe de France victories in 1965 and 1971.
Michel Le Milinaire
This Deux-Sèvres native arrived at the club in 1979 from Saint-Étienne and remained for nearly 40 years. First as a player, then as coach of the professional team in 1987, and finally as Director of the training center from 1987 to 2014.
Pierre Dréossi
Former sporting director and general manager of Lille, Pierre Dréossi joined Stade Rennais F.C. in June 2002 as General Manager. In June 2006, he held the dual role of manager-coach and led Stade Rennais F.C. to fourth place in the 2006/2007 season.
François Pinault
To give back to his region, François Pinault acquired the club in 1998, defining a strategy focused on training, which quickly became profitable and sustainable. The pool of players trained at the Academy and a management that is both reasoned and ambitious have made it possible over the years to find stability, to structure itself and to register over the long term.
Stade Rennais History Club
Founded in February 2014 by former "Rouge et Noir" players Cyrille L’Helgoualc'h, Philippe Berlin, and René Izquierdo, the Stade Rennais History Club (SRHC) aims to promote the history and socio-cultural heritage of Stade Rennais Football Club by bringing together collaborators from yesterday and today, regardless of their position or status. The club currently has more than a hundred members, including former players and former employees.
Coupe de France Victories
1965
After a first final on May 23, 1965 (2-2, André Ascenscio 44th, Daniel Rodighiero 61st), the match was replayed, and Stade Rennais UC beat US Sedan-Torcy 3 goals to 1 on May 27, 1965, at the Parc des Princes (Daniel Rodighiero 67th, 86th sp, Marcel Loncle 77th). Upon the players' return, the city of Rennes exploded with joy, giving them a triumphal welcome. Tens of thousands of Bretons came from all over the region to salute the heroes.
1971
On June 20, 1971, Jean Prouff repeated the feat by leading SRFC to a new success in the Coupe de France. At the Yves-du-Manoir Olympic stadium in Colombes, the Rennais beat Olympique Lyonnais thanks to a penalty converted by André Guy in the 63rd minute.
2019
On Saturday, April 27, the task was immense for Julien Stéphan's players against the Parisian mastodon, and the start of this 102nd edition did not leave much hope for the Rennes supporters, seeing their team trailing 2-0 after 22 minutes of play. But the Rouge et Noir were able to overcome their bad start to reduce the gap five minutes before half-time on a cross from Hamari Traoré deflected into his own goal by Presnel Kimpembe. Then Mexer entered history with a furious header to offer the 2-2 to SRFC. Carried by 25,000 supporters, the players never trembled during the penalty shootout, unlike the last Parisian shooter, Christopher Nkunku.
European Cup History
The club's European journey began in September 1965 against Dukla Prague, but the Rennais remained silent during the first and second legs. On September 15, 1971, in the Cup Winners' Cup, Philippe Redon entered the history of Stade Rennais F.C. by scoring the club's first European goal, for his first match as a professional.