RC Lens Clinches First Ever Coupe de France Title with 3-1 Win over Nice

On May 22, 2026, Racing Club de Lens achieved a historic milestone by winning their first Coupe de France title, defeating OGC Nice 3-1 in the final held at Stade de France. The match, witnessed by over 55,000 passionate Lens fans, marked the culmination of an extraordinary season for the club.

Florian Thauvin played a pivotal role in the victory, scoring the opening goal in the 25th minute and assisting the second. Odsonne Edouard headed in the second goal shortly before halftime, putting Lens firmly in control. Although Nice’s Djibril Coulibaly pulled one back just before the break, Lens sealed the win with Abdallah Sima’s late goal in the 78th minute. Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser, aged 21, made crucial saves that helped preserve their lead amid Nice’s intense attempts to equalize.

This triumph was especially significant for Lens, who had previously suffered three Coupe de France final defeats (1948, 1975, and 1998), and until now had been the only former French champions never to claim this trophy. Captain Adrien Thomasson expressed high confidence in the team's success, stating, "I was convinced we would do it from the moment we qualified," and dedicated the win to long-serving players who contributed over the years.

Beyond this historic cup victory, Lens enjoyed a remarkable season, finishing second in Ligue 1 with 70 points and securing qualification for the UEFA Champions League. Former president Gervais Martel, integral to the club’s journey, reflected emotionally on ending a century-long wait for this victory, saying, "It has been over a century that we have been waiting for this."

Lens coach Pierre Sage lauded the players' commitment and hinted at future ambitions, celebrating the win as the crowning achievement of a renaissance for the club. Despite Nice’s spirited performance and chances—including shots that hit the post and crossbar—their defensive lapses, alongside Lens’s solid defensive display, proved decisive. Lens winger Allan Saint-Maximin impressed in the final, while Nice defender Antoine Mendy faced criticism for critical mistakes.

Thauvin, embracing the moment, commented, "This gap is filled," marking his first trophy in club football. Lens’s victory not only adds a prestigious trophy to their cabinet but also signals their rise as a dominant force in French football.

Overall, the Coupe de France win is celebrated as a magnificent finale to a breakthrough season for Lens, fulfilling long-held club ambitions and energizing their supporters with hopes for more successes ahead.