Rennes

Stade Rennais Football Club was formed on March 10, 1901 by an old group of students from Brittany. The sport quickly became widely played in the surrounding regions, and soon it was introduced to Brittany. The first game of the club was played two weeks later , against FC Rennais, which Stade was defeated in a 6-0 loss. The year 1902 saw Stade Rennais joined the USFSA Federation and later it became an official participant in the Ligue de Bretagne de football which was a new regional league that was created in 1902 by the FSA federation. In the second season of the league they won the tournament after beating the first league champions FC Rennais 4-0 in the final. The 4th of May 1904 was the day that Stade Rennais merged with its competitors FC Rennais to form Stade Rennais Universite Club which had the main goal of beat the dominance in the Ligue de Bretagne by US Saint-Malo also called US Saint-Servan, which fielded predominantly British players. Stade Rennais adopted the colors of Rennais that comprised black and red with vertical stripes of black in the shirt. Following three seasons of Saint-Malo winning the league Rennes eventually surpassed its rivals in 1908, under the direction by Welsh coach Arthur Griffith. The following year, Rennes won the league again, however in 1910 Rennes did not manage to secure the third time, as Saint-Malo was the winner with two more points. The champions then had a remarkable streak, winning the league the next four seasons.

Following World War I, Rennes started focusing in winning the newly-created Coupe de France. The team was strengthened by the arrival of international players Bernard Lenoble, Maurice Gastiger, Ernest Molles and captain Francois Hugues following the war, during the fourth season of the competition, Rennes made it to the final. The team faced the two-time champions Red Star Olympique, which was led by forward Paul Nicolas, defender Lucien Gamblin and goalkeeper Pierre Chayrigues. Red Star opened the scoring in the 4th minute of the match and the match ended following an injury-time goal by Raymond Sentubery. Following the dissolution from The USFSA during 1913 Rennes was a member of the Ligue de l'Ouest. After 1929 Rennes left the league following a disagreement over the increasing amount of games that the league was planning to introduce in the new year. The move was the cause of Rennes turning into an "free agent" and the club played a number of friendly matches to make up for the loss of league games.

In the month of July, 1930 The National Council of the French Football Federation (FFF) approved 128-20 to support professionalism in French football. Under the direction that of the club's president, Isidore ODORICO, Rennes was among the first clubs to sign the new constitution and later, turned professional and were among the founder members in the league. In the inaugural season of the league, Rennes finished mid-table in its group. In 1935, the club made it to in the semifinals of Coupe de France for the second time. Rennes did lose to Marseille 3-1, in the final after being unable to overcome three goals in the first half. The team's attack was restricted in the game because of the absence of its two top attackmen, Walter Kaiser and Walter Vollweiler both of whom were injured. Rennes continued to play for four years within the top division prior to losing its place to Division 2 during 1937-37. Rennes was a Division 2 player prior to the end of professionalism because of World War II. Following World War II, Rennes went back to Division 1. The team was coached by native Austrian Frenchman Franz Pleyer, Rennes was the club with the best record in the league, finishing 4th in 1948-1949 period. Despite the revival in the domestic scene under Pleyer Rennes struggled to keep the same continuity and, in the 1950s, switched between the first and 2nd division, under guidance of Spaniards Salvador Artigas and Henri Guerin who served in the role of coach-player.

Under the direction of the new President Louis Girard, Rennes underwent an enormous change and renovations were carried out in the club's stadium. Girard wanted to create a system that would make Rennes more competitive in the national arena and his first objective was fulfilled when the team received a promotion into Division 1 in the year 1958. After being in the bottom half of table six straight years, Rennes was now run by ex- player Jean Prouff, finished in fourth position in 1965-64 season. In the same year the club won its first major honor following the winning of the Coupe de France. Rennes were led by players like Daniel Rodighiero, Georges Lamia and Jean-Claude lavaud, beat UA Sedan Torcy 3-1 during their replay in the last. The initial match ended at 2-2 and led to replay. Following the cup's success, Rennes took part for the first time in European tournament for the very first time during the season 1965-66. The club, however was defeated by Czechoslovakian team Dukla Prague in the first round.

The following times, Rennes struggled in league games, but did admirably during competitions like the Coupe de France, reaching semi-finals two times in the year 1967 and 1970. It was in 1971 that Rennes won its third Coupe de France title after losing to Lyon by 1-0, with the sole goal being a penalty conversion from Andre Guy. On the 23rd of May, 1973, Rennes officialy changed the name of its club to reflect its current style. After another year in charge, Prouff departed Rennes and the club went into free-fall. From 1972 until 1994, Rennes was managed by 11 different managers . The club through the years constantly fluctuated between Division 1 and 2. In 1978 the club was at the brink of insolvency and, in the process the club was ordered by a tribunal to dispose of its top earners and follow an austerity policy. The 1980s saw the municipal government of the city acquired a majority stake within the organization.

The year 1994 saw Rennes was relegated in Division 1 and began an era of stability, primarily due to the use of the youth academy of the club. Instead of launching bidding wars to purchase the players they wanted, Rennes groomed its youngsters and then incorporated them into the senior squad once coaches believed they were capable. This method worked well with players like Sylvain Wiltord Jocelyn Gourvennec and Ulrich Le Pen. In 1998 the club was purchased by the municipality to the retail business magnate Francois Pinault. Pinault put a large amount of funds into the club, and sought to boost Rennes' capacity to produce young talent by building an academy that was finished in the year 2000. Pinault also contributed to an entire re-construction project of the stadium. They also made investments into the market for transfer players and enlisted numerous stars who came from South America, most notably Lucas Severino, whom Rennes paid historic EUR21 millions for.

The results were immediately evident in the decade between 2000 and 2010 and saw Rennes playing in UEFA-sanctioned European competitions in five out of the 10 seasons. For youth development Rennes produced a number of young talents, including Yann M'Vila Yacine Brahimi, Jimmy Briand and Abdoulaye Diallo, to name a few. In league play, Rennes tied its best league ever by finishing fourth in the 2004-05 season. The following year the team achieved the same feat once more. The 2009 season saw Rennes made it to the Coupe de France final for the fourth time in the club's history. In the final match, Rennes was up against Breton adversaries Guingamp which was the overwhelming favorite. Even though they led in the second half but Rennes were defeated 2-1 as Guingamp made two scores within a ten minute time period. This year, Rennes reached it to the Coupe de France final once they faced Guingamp. In a highly competitive match, Rennes lost the match to their rivals in a 2-0 loss. The 2017, 2018 Ligue 1 season, Rennes enjoyed one of their most successful seasons in recent times, finishing 5th and qualifying for UEFA Europa League.

In the year 2019, Rennes took home the club's the third Coupe de France win on 27 April. In the final match, Rennes faced Paris St Germain. Paris St Germain, the French Cup winners for the past four seasons were the heavy odds to defeat Rennes having been named Ligue 1 champions for the 2018-19 season on April 21. 8 Rennes recovered from two goals behind to defeat Paris St Germain 6-5 on penalties.

In the 2019-20 season Rennes ended up the third place on the table in Ligue 1 and qualified for 2020-21 UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history.

Rennes has been playing on the land on which the stadium of the club, Roazhon Park, is situated since 1912. The Roazhon Park, later known as Stade de Route de Lorient as it is now the name of the stadium, was built in 1912. The park was officially opened on 15 September 1912 during an event of Rennes as well as SA du Lycee de Rennes. It was the Stade de la Route de Lorient was officially opened one month later, the following day when Rennes faced Racing Club de France in the presence of 3,000 fans.

The Roazhon Park is owned by the city of Rennes and has been renovated three times: in the years of 1955, 1983 and 1999. It was in 1983 that the team remodeled the stadium to be a replica of it's counterpart, the Olympiastadion which is located in Munich. After almost four years of construction the new stadium was officially opened on March 7, 1987. The 1999 latest improvements, designed in the style of architect Bruno Gaudin, cost EUR37.3 million and took 4 years to finish. The stadium's opening was celebrated twice: during an international football match played with France as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina in August 2004 as well as a football match contested between Rennes as well as Metz two months afterward. The capacity at present for the venue is 28,778.

The Centre of Entrainment Henri-Guerin (Henri-Guerin Training Centre) is also called the La Piverdiere was established in June 2000. The name is a reference to former manager and player Henri Guerin, La Piverdiere is situated near the outskirts Rennes located just to the south-west to the southwest of Roazhon Park. The center is home to the training sessions of the senior team as well as the youth and reserve teams. In 2007 La Piverdiere became the home of the club's administration and business headquarters.

Since its beginning, La Piverdiere has become known for its steady development of young talent with players who have earned themselves a name on the international stage. In the past the club's youth team has been the main source of the team's first squad. The current first-team members Eduardo Camavinga and Joris Gnagnon have both graduated from the academy. Rennes was given the distinction of being the most successful academy for youth in France.

Rennes has been crowned three times the Coupe Gambardella, the under-19 national youth contest three times: 2003, 1973, and 2008. The winning team was led by Yoann Gourcuff and Marveaux. Gourcuff later won two awards, the UNFP Player of the Year and French Player of the Year awards . He also became an French international. Marveaux completed his academy following the Gambardella victory and continued to play in more than 100 games for Rennes. Marveaux had his best year in 2009-10 with 38 appearances as well as scoring 12 goals. In 2008 the team that took home the tournament was comprised of Brahimi M'Vila Souprayen, Yohann Lasimant, Quentin Rouger, Kevin Theophile-Catherine as well as Damien Le Tallec. Seven of the seven players appeared in the first team. Le Tallec moved to German club Borussia Dortmund before he could appear in the team.

Rennes have various supporter groups affiliated with the club. They range from groups of older supporters to ultras. The oldest and most well-organized and well-known group is Allez Rennes. The group was formed in 1962. Together alongside Les Socios, founded in 1992, is the biggest group of supporters from the past.

The stadium's section known as Tribune Mordelles is occupied by the Roazhon Celtic Kop (RCK). Although the organization was formed by the year 1991, it's origins go back to 1987, in which a small group of fans called Ultras Roazhon was formed. The RCK was founded by three supporters who determined to create an area known as the Mordelles area as the ultimate center in the arena. The RCK identifies its presence not just through constant singing and the use of flares but also with a myriad of events and choreographic tifos. In addition, the Breton identity is frequently presented along with the using in the form of Celtic symbols is common. One of the most impressive achievements by the RCK is that the RCK is the one responsible for creating the biggest Gwennha-du ever that spans 270 square meters. It was on display in the Mordelles stand in the 1994-95 season.

The RCK is an unreserved supporters' club that is present in all games, even matches at European level. It is comprised of those who support the ultra-mentality however, it also adheres to the values outlined by its members as Amitie, Respect et Fete (Friendship Respect, Respect and Parties). The Kop is open to those who support Rennes who are in agreement with their values. The Kop has taken a firm stand on "football business" and the repression of the ultra-movement as well as the racial discrimination. While the RCK isn't explicitly political, it often displays anti-fascism. RCK is a member of the RCK is a part of RSRA (Reseau the Supporter of Resistance against Racism) which is an French network of football fan organizations against racism. It is also is a participant in Fare which is a European group of football supporters' organizations against discrimination and racism.

Another significant supporter group of the club is Section Roazhon Pariz. It is a part of the RCK located in Paris. The RCK supports the team during important away games including those in opposition to Lyon or Paris Saint-Germain. The RCK will not conceal its chaotic and festive look. In 2003, another group of ultras called the Breizh Stourmer ("Breton Warriors") was born out of an rift from the RCK. The group was formed with the intention of creating a small, solid base of supporters, and decided to be in the opposite direction of RCK. Breizh Stourmer is a group of supporters. Breizh Stourmer was slammed by a portion of the RCK of having members who hold extreme right-wing beliefs. Violence between members of both groups have taken place. The primary opposition to the RCK has however had nothing to do with the Breizh Stourmer, but for long periods, it was the Brigade Loire, a supporters group for Rennes the rival club of Nantes. This group, known as the Breizh Stourmer has since dissolved. In 2008 the year 2008, a newly formed group of fans, known as the Unvez Kelt (UK) ("Celtic Unity") was formed. This group initially disapproved by club officials as an official organization However, with the assistance by Les Socios, it was eventually accepted. The group was not able to establish itself and enduring numerous issues such as the fire that destroyed the building in November 2010, clashes with National Police and incidents resulting in a number of its members being detained during an away game at Auxerre in 2012 The Unvez Kelt decided to dissolve in the year 2012.

As of 3 September 2022.

Below are the notable former and current players who have represented Rennes in league and international competition since the club's foundation in 1901.

For a complete list of former Stade Rennais F.C. players with a Wikipedia article, see here.

Club officials

• President: Jacques Delanoë (interim)
• Sports Coordinator: Sylvain Armand

Coaching

• Head coach: Bruno Génésio
• Assistant coaches: Jean-Marc Kuentz and Mathieu Le Scornet
• Assistant coach (goalkeeper): Olivier Sorin
• Youth academy director: Denis Arnaud

Coaches since 1906 and later to the accession to professional status in 1932, with the exception of 1939–1941, where the Stade Rennais reverted to amateur status, and 1942–1944, where no coach was appointed by the board, and 1945 where the club didn't compete in any competition.

.

• Ligue 2
  • Champions (2): 1955–56, 1982–83

• Coupe de France
  • Winners (3): 1964–65, 1970–71, 2018–19
  • Runners-up (4): 1921–22, 1934–35, 2008–09, 2013–14
• Coupe de la Ligue
  • Runners-up (1): 2012–13
• Trophée des Champions
  • Winners (1): 1971
  • Runners-up (2): 1965, 2019

• UEFA Intertoto Cup
  • Winners (1): 2008 – Joint Winner

• Coupe Gambardella
  • Champions (3): 1973, 2003, 2008

This is the list of all Stade Rennais F.C.'s European matches.

Accurate as of 8 September 2022

Competition	Played	Won	Drew	Lost	GF	GA	GD	Win%
Cup Winners' Cup	4	0	2	2	1	4	−3	0.00
UEFA Champions League	6	0	1	5	3	11	−8	0.00
UEFA Cup / UEFA Europa League	44	16	8	20	58	63	−5	36.36
UEFA Europa Conference League	10	7	2	1	20	11	9	70.00
UEFA Intertoto Cup	16	6	3	7	24	21	3	37.50
Total	80	29	16	35	106	110	−4	36.25

Legend: GF = Goals For. GA = Goals Against. GD = Goal Difference.