Historic Victory: RC Lens Clinches First-Ever Coupe de France Title

On May 22, 2026, Racing Club de Lens celebrated a landmark achievement by winning their first-ever Coupe de France title with a 3-1 victory over OGC Nice at the Stade de France. This historic triumph ended a 120-year wait for the club, which had previously lost three finals in 1948, 1975, and 1998. With goals from Florian Thauvin, Odsonne Édouard, and Abdallah Sima, Lens secured not only the coveted trophy but also cemented their place among France's football elite.

The Stade de France was awash with the vibrant red and yellow of Lens supporters, who flooded the stadium and later the Stade Bollaert-Delelis for jubilant celebrations extending into the early hours. The passionate fanbase expressed profound emotions, underscoring the significance of this historic victory for both the club and its community. Florian Thauvin, who opened the scoring, acknowledged the fans' relentless support, saying, "They are fantastic, and we thank them for that."

Lens's captain, Florian Sotoca, had highlighted the importance of this win ahead of the final, emphasizing the desire to make history for the club. The victory also came in an eventful atmosphere, marked by the booing of French President Emmanuel Macron during his appearance on the pitch.

Under the guidance of coach Pierre Sage, who was named best coach of the year, Lens finished an outstanding season, placing second in Ligue 1 with a record of 22 wins, 4 draws, and 8 losses. This secured the club a spot in the upcoming Champions League, further amplifying the success of the campaign. Sage expressed his joy, stating, "I nourish myself from the happiness of both the players and the public with the team," emphasizing his commitment to continue fostering growth and stability for the team.

This Coupe de France win crowns what has been described as a remarkable season for Lens, marked by fierce competition against Paris Saint-Germain and significant milestones. The match itself was a physical battle, illustrated by the damage to player Kyllian Antonio's jersey, reflecting the intensity of the encounter.