Stade de Reims

Stade de Reims is one of the most historic clubs in French football, famous for its two European Champions Cup finals in the 1950s, both against Real Madrid. The club was the main representative of French football in Europe during its golden era and the birthplace of star player Raymond Kopa.

History

Founded in 1931 in the city of Reims, in the Champagne region, Stade de Reims experienced its golden era in the 1950s and 1960s. The club won six French Championship titles (1949, 1953, 1955, 1958, 1960 and 1962), becoming the dominant team in France during that period. On the European stage, Stade de Reims played historic moments by reaching two European Champions Cup finals. In 1956, it played in the first final of the tournament against Real Madrid in Paris, losing 4-3 in one of the most thrilling matches of that era. In 1959, the French returned to the final but fell again to Real Madrid, this time 2-0. The club was responsible for developing Raymond Kopa, the only Frenchman to win the Ballon d'Or in the 20th century. Kopa shone at Reims before being transferred to Real Madrid in 1956, where he won three consecutive European Cups, returning to the club in 1959. After the glorious era, Reims went through ups and downs, even playing in lower divisions of French football. In the 21st century, the club returned to Ligue 1 and established itself among the elite teams, recovering part of the institution's historic prestige.