RC Lens won its first-ever Coupe de France title on Friday, May 22, 2026, defeating OGC Nice in the final at the Stade de France.
The victory came on the club's 120th anniversary, ending a history of three previous final losses in 1948, 1975, and 1998.
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Match Highlights
According to L'Équipe, Lens faced a tough challenge from Nice, who fought hard despite facing a relegation battle in Ligue 1.
Lens held off late pressure, including an equalizing attempt from Djibril Coulibaly, a crossbar strike by Antoine Mendy, and a late shot against the post by Kevin Carlos.
The win places manager Pierre Sage alongside Daniel Leclercq as Lens coaches who have secured a major national trophy.
Sage had previously commented on the potential of this campaign, saying, "la bonne année."
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The squad strategy, crafted by sporting director Jean-Louis Leca and general manager Benjamin Parrot, relied on recent transfers.
Goalkeeper Robin Risser provided defensive stability, while Odsonne Edouard and substitute Abdallah Sima made decisive offensive contributions, alongside a notable performance by Florian Thauvin.
This triumph makes RC Lens the 35th distinct winner of the Coupe de France and the first new club to claim the trophy since Guingamp in 2009.
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The team plans a celebratory parade through local streets on Saturday, with official festivities concluding on Sunday evening.
