Montpellier Herault Sport Club (French spelling: [mop@ljeeRo spoR the word "kloeb") is commonly called Montpellier HSC or simply Montpellier, is an French professional football club that is based within the town of Montpellier situated in Occitanie. The club's first official start was in 1919. The present version was formed by a merger in 1974. Montpellier is currently at Ligue 1, the top class of French football. The club hosts home matches at the Stade de la Mosson, located in the city. The team's first manager is by Olivier Dall'Oglio and captained by Teji Savanier.
Montpellier is controlled by Laurent Nicollin, the son of deceased Louis Nicollin, a French businessman, who was the owner since 1974. Montpellier has produced many famous players over its time including Laurent Blanc, who has been coach in the France national team. Blanc is also the club's most prolific goal scorer. Eric Cantona, Roger Milla, Carlos Valderrama and Olivier Giroud are among the athletes who've played for Montpellier in their colors. The year 2001 was the first time Montpellier created a ladies' team.
1. History
Montpellier was established in the year 1899 under the name Stade Olympique Montpellierain (SOM) and was played under that name throughout its existence. In 1989, having played under several names, the team was renamed to its current version. Montpellier is among the first players of the first division French football. Alongside Marseille, Rennes and Nice, Montpellier is one of the few clubs that participate during the first season of 1932-33 and still plays within the top division. The club was awarded Ligue 1 for the first time in the 2011-12 season. Other honours for Montpellier in the past include winning the Coupe de France in 1929 and 1990, as well as the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 1999.
The 2011-12 campaign saw Montpellier was the first team to win the Ligue 1 title, finishing the year with 82 points, which was three points more than second-placed Paris Saint-Germain. On the 20th of May, 2012, during a match that was marred by delays due to violent crowds, John Utaka scored a brace to earn a 2-1 win against Auxerre and claim the Ligue 1 title for Montpellier. Olivier Giroud, who finished the year having scored 21 goals as well as nine assists, was the top goal scorer of the league. Even though he was tied in scores together with Paris Saint-Germain attacker Nene, Giroud was named the league's top scorer by Ligue de Football Professionnel due to his scoring record in the open game.
