Football in Brittany: a vibrant passion and a strong identity

In Brittany, football is not just a sport, it is a true passion that is passed down from generation to generation. In the villages as in the big cities, we find this unique fervor which gives Breton football a particular flavor.

More than a sport, football is an essential element of Breton identity. It brings people together, creates a sense of belonging and celebrates the culture and traditions of the region.

Among the many Breton clubs, some have risen to the rank of emblems. Their stories, their exploits and their colors thrill supporters and symbolize the strength of football in Brittany.

Let's discover together some of these legendary clubs that are the pride of the region: Stade Rennais FC , Stade Brestois 29, En Avant Guingamp and FC Lorient-Merlu.

The emblematic clubs

Stade Rennais FC (1901)

Founded in 1901, Stade Rennais FC , better known as "Stade Rennais" or "les Rouge et Noir", is one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in Brittany. Its rich record of trophies, including a Coupe de France in 1971 and a Supercoupe de France in 1971, makes it an essential club in the French football landscape.

Stade Rennais is also known for its electric atmosphere at Roazhon Park, its ultra-modern stadium with 29,778 seats. Rennes supporters, nicknamed "les Rennais", are renowned for their passion and fervor, creating a unique atmosphere during each meeting.

The club, currently managed by Bruno Génésio, aims to return to the heights of French football and participate regularly in European competitions.

Stade Brestois 29 (1903)

Created in 1903, Stade Brestois 29, often called "Stade Brestois" or "les Pirates", is a historic Breton club which has experienced a meteoric rise in recent years. After playing for several seasons in Ligue 2, the club returned to the elite of French football in 2019.

Nicknamed "the Pirates" in reference to the maritime history of the city of Brest, the Stade Brestois players play at the Francis-Le Blé stadium, a 15,931-seat venue known for its warm and festive atmosphere.

The club, currently managed by Michel Der Zakarian, aims to remain in Ligue 1 for the long term and to become a stable and successful club in the French football landscape.

Before Guingamp (1903)

Founded in 1903, En Avant Guingamp, also called "EAG" or "les Guingampais", is a Breton club which experienced its golden age in the 1990s and 2000s. In 1996, the club achieved the feat to win the Coupe de France, thus becoming the first Breton club to lift this trophy.

En Avant Guingamp is also known for its efficient training center which has revealed many talents, such as Didier Deschamps, Jocelyn Gourvennec and Anthony Martial.

The club, currently managed by Stéphane Dumont, plays in Ligue 2 and aims to return to Ligue 1 in the coming years.

FC Lorient-Merlu (1967)

Created in 1967, FC Lorient-Merlu, often called "FC Lorient" or "les Merlus", is a Breton club which has experienced a meteoric rise since its creation. In 2006, the club reached Ligue 1 for the first time in its history and remained there for several seasons.

Nicknamed "les Merlus" in reference to the fishing activity of the city of Lorient, FC Lorient players play at the Moustoir stadium, an 18,890-seat venue known for its friendly and family atmosphere.

The club, currently managed by Régis Le Bris, aims to remain in Ligue 1 for the long term and to develop an attractive and offensive game.

Stade Rennais, Stade Brestois, En Avant Guingamp and FC Lorient-Merlu are more than just football clubs. They are symbols of Brittany, its culture and its traditions. They carry the hopes of an entire people and contribute to the region’s influence on the national and even international scene.

The fervor and passion that Breton football arouses are unique. Each match is an opportunity to celebrate the love of football and share a moment of communion with other supporters.

The future of Breton football is promising. Breton clubs have efficient training centers which help nurture young talents. With the support of their supporters, these clubs have the potential to achieve great things and make Brittany vibrate for many years to come.