About Valenciennes FC

Valenciennes FC is a French football club based in Valenciennes, in the Hauts-de-France region, founded in 1913. The club was originally created as Union Sportive de Valenciennes Anzin and later developed into a professional team during the early growth of French football. It plays its home matches at the Stade du Hainaut and is known for its red identity and strong regional support.

Throughout its history, Valenciennes has moved between divisions, experiencing several promotions and relegations. The club spent long periods in both Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, with notable highs including strong finishes in the top flight during the 1960s and later returns to the first division. However, it also faced major difficulties, including financial problems and the impact of a corruption scandal in the early 1990s that led to a severe decline and relegation to lower divisions.

In more recent decades, Valenciennes rebuilt itself and returned to professional football, eventually reaching Ligue 1 again in the 2000s. The club has since alternated between Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, focusing on stability and development rather than top-table ambitions. After spending many years in the professional system, it was relegated to the third tier in 2024, marking a new rebuilding phase in its long history.