CS Sedan Ardennes
Club Sportif Sedan Ardennes, commonly referred to as CS Sedan or simply Sedan, is a French football club founded on 2 November 1919 and based in the commune of Sedan in the Ardennes department of northeastern France. The club, nicknamed Les Sang et Or (The Blood and Golds) for its red-and-gold colors, plays its home matches at the Stade Louis Dugauguez, a venue with a capacity of 23,189 spectators. As of the 2025–26 season, CS Sedan competes in the Régional 1 Grand Est, the sixth tier of the French football league system.[1][2][3][4] The club's most successful period occurred during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s, when it established itself as a competitive force in French football. Sedan won the Ligue 2 championship in the 1954–55 season, securing promotion to the top division, and lifted the Coupe de France on two occasions—in 1956 against AS Troyes-Sainte-Savine and in 1961 against Nîmes Olympique. That same year, 1956, the club also claimed the Trophée des Champions, the French Supercup, defeating OGC Nice 1–0.) These triumphs highlighted Sedan's prowess, with the team spending much of the 1960s in Division 1 and reaching the Coupe de France final again in 1965.[5][6][7][8] Throughout its history, CS Sedan has oscillated between higher and lower divisions, experiencing a resurgence in the late 1990s and early 2000s that saw it return to Ligue 1. In the 2000–01 season, the club achieved its best top-flight finish in decades, placing fifth and qualifying for the UEFA Cup, where it competed in the first round against FK Příbram. Sedan also participated in the 1961–62 European Cup Winners' Cup, advancing to the preliminary round. However, financial instability has plagued the club in recent decades; after bankruptcy in 2013 following relegation from Ligue 2, it was demoted two divisions and has since navigated the amateur leagues. By 2025, after further administrative relegations to the eighth tier in 2023, Sedan has shown signs of recovery through on-field promotions, rebuilding its status as a regional powerhouse.[9][10][11][12][4]Club identity
Name and nicknames
The official full name of the club is Club Sportif Sedan Ardennes.[13] Founded on 2 November 1919 as Union Athlétique de Sedan-Torcy, it later underwent several name changes, including Racing Paris-Sedan from 1966 to 1970 and Club Sportif Sedan from 1970 to 1974. In 1974, following a merger with the smaller local club Ardennes de Mouzon, the name was updated to Club Sportif Sedan Mouzon Ardennes to emphasize its regional ties; it eventually simplified to its current form, with the professional entity formalized as a Société Anonyme in 1992.[14] The club is commonly abbreviated as CS Sedan or simply Sedan in media and official contexts.[15] Its primary nickname, Les Sangliers (The Wild Boars), originates from the wild boar's prominence in the Ardennes region's forests and folklore, symbolizing strength and resilience—a nod to the 15th-century lord Guillaume de La Marck, known as "Le Sanglier des Ardennes" for his fierce reputation.[16] Adopted in 1956 amid the club's rising success, including its first Coupe de France win, the moniker embodies the team's tenacity and has since become integral to its identity, appearing on the crest and in fan culture.[1] Fans and media frequently invoke "Les Sangliers" in supporter chants like "Nous sommes les sangliers, ce soir on va gagner," which echo through Stade Louis Dugauguez during matches, while the term features prominently on official merchandise such as scarves and apparel sold via the club's boutique.[17]Colours and crest
The primary colours of CS Sedan Ardennes are green and red, often accented with white, reflecting the natural landscapes of the Ardennes forests and regional heritage. These colours are prominently featured in the club's kits, with the home shirt traditionally dominated by green and red details. The club's crest centers on a stylized wild boar head, the iconic symbol of the Ardennes region known for representing strength and local identity, integrated with the letter "S" for Sedan and framed in green and red. This design pays homage to the area's cultural motifs, including the boar as a longstanding emblem of the territory. The boar element also ties into the club's nickname "Les Sangliers."[18][19][20] Kit history shows consistency in the green home kit across decades, with away kits alternating between white and red bases to complement the primary palette. Major supplier partnerships have included Adidas in the 1990s and early 2000s, Lotto from 1998 to 2004, Macron from 2014 to 2017, Puma from 2018 to 2023, and Nike as the current provider since 2023.[21] The crest underwent a significant redesign around 2001 to achieve a more modern and streamlined appearance while retaining core symbolic elements. Further updates occurred in 2020 and 2022, adapting the badge to contemporary branding needs during periods of league transitions.[22]Stadium and facilities
Stade Louis Dugauguez
The Stade Louis Dugauguez is the primary home stadium for CS Sedan Ardennes, situated in Sedan within the Ardennes department of northeastern France. Opened on October 7, 2000, it was built as a modern replacement for the club's previous venue, the Stade Emile Albeau, providing enhanced facilities for professional football matches. The stadium has a capacity of 23,189 spectators.[23][24][25] Construction of the stadium cost €15.8 million and adopted an all-seater configuration to meet contemporary safety and comfort standards. Designed by architects Jean-Claude Paulin and Christophe Mariotti, the venue features four covered stands surrounding the pitch, including the Tribune Dugauguez reserved for VIP seating. The playing surface measures 105 meters by 68 meters with synthetic turf (as of June 2025) and is illuminated by floodlights, enabling night games and aligning with the demands of higher-division play.[25][26][27][28] The stadium holds particular significance in the club's identity, named after Louis Dugauguez, a former player whose professional career at RC Lens was interrupted by World War II and who later became a pivotal coach for CS Sedan Ardennes, guiding the team to the 1956 Coupe de France victory and other postwar achievements. During the club's competitive peak in the early 2000s, when it competed in Ligue 1 from 2001 to 2006, the Stade Louis Dugauguez hosted top-tier matches, reinforcing its role as a symbol of local pride and sporting ambition.[29][30]Training facilities
The primary training facility for CS Sedan Ardennes was the Centre d'Entraînement located at the Château de Montvillers in Bazeilles, near Sedan, established in 1999 through the acquisition of the site's parkland.[31] This center featured multiple training pitches and administrative offices, serving as the hub for both senior and youth team preparations.[31] It also included accommodation facilities, evidenced by its temporary use in 2017 to house 26 youths from a nearby closed educational center amid regional social needs.[32] The youth academy at Montvillers integrated with the regional football federation, supporting talent development through structured programs that included plans for an international academy announced in 2016.[33] Facilities encompassed dedicated spaces for under-19 players, including dormitories adapted for residential training, and a medical support area to address player health needs during sessions.[32] Despite ongoing financial challenges in the 2010s, the center underwent maintenance to sustain operations for approximately 80-100 youth players annually, focusing on regional recruitment and skill-building.[34] Following the club's liquidation and relegation in 2023, the Montvillers site was vacated in August of that year, leading to reliance on shared regional pitches for training, such as those in Cheveuges, to accommodate first-team and youth sessions amid budget limitations.[31][35] By mid-2025, basic maintenance on borrowed facilities ensured continuity for low-league preparations, though logistical displacements persisted.[36] In response to these constraints, construction of a new Centre d'Entraînement began in July 2025 on the former Stade Émile-Albeau site in Sedan's Lac neighborhood, directly supporting the club's recovery efforts.[36] The initial phase includes a synthetic turf pitch, completed and received in early November 2025 at a cost of €1.4 million and now in use, with plans for a second pitch delayed until 2027 due to escalating expenses.[36][37] This facility will integrate the youth academy, reviving the local football school in partnership with the regional federation, and provide dedicated spaces for first-team training during regional league seasons, including locker rooms and connectivity to the adjacent main stadium for preparatory drills.[36][38]History
Foundation and early years (1919–1940s)
The Club Sportif Sedan Ardennes traces its origins to November 2, 1919, when high school teacher Marcel Schmitt founded the Union Athlétique Sedanaise through the merger of three local football clubs: Racing Club Sedanais, Sedan Football Club, and Union Sportive Sedan, capitalizing on the post-World War I surge in regional sports enthusiasm in the Champagne-Ardennes area.[39] This formation marked the establishment of the first enduring football club in Sedan, as earlier teams had dissolved amid the disruptions of the Great War.[29] Schmitt, serving as the club's primary leader until the mid-1920s, emphasized amateur ideals and community involvement, drawing players from local schools and workers in the Ardennes industrial heartland.[40] In 1921, internal disagreements led to a split, with dissidents establishing the Union Sportive de Torcy; the two entities reconciled and merged in 1926 to create the Union Athlétique Sedan-Torcy, adopting green and red as its colors to symbolize the region's heritage. The club initially competed in lower regional divisions of the Champagne-Ardennes league, facing modest crowds and limited resources on rudimentary fields without proper stands or turf.[41] By the early 1930s, it began to gain traction, securing promotion to the Division d'Honneur—the premier amateur level—in 1932 after consistent performances in intermediate leagues.[42] Key early successes included victories in local cups, such as regional championships that bolstered community support, and the recruitment of notable talents like Lucien Laurent in 1930, the first goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history.[43] The club's progress was interrupted by World War II, as German occupation of the Ardennes from 1939 to 1945 forced a suspension of all organized football activities, with many members involved in resistance efforts or displaced.[44] Post-liberation in 1945, the Union Athlétique Sedan-Torcy resumed operations under amateur status, prioritizing youth development and local rebuilding to restore the sport's role in fostering regional identity and morale.[45]Post-war rise and cup triumphs (1950s–1960s)
Following World War II, UA Sedan-Torcy, the entity that evolved into CS Sedan Ardennes, marked a significant resurgence in French football by securing promotion to Division 1 as champions of Division 2 at the conclusion of the 1954–55 season.[46] This elevation positioned the club among the elite, where it demonstrated resilience with consistent mid-table finishes throughout the late 1950s, such as 9th place in 1955–56 and 10th in 1957–58.[46] Under the long-serving coach Louis Dugauguez, who led the team from 1948 to 1974, Sedan Ardennes built a reputation for tenacity, earning the nickname "Les Sangliers" (The Boars) for their determined style during this era.[47] The pinnacle of the 1950s came with the club's first major honor in the 1955–56 Coupe de France, culminating in a 3–1 victory over AS Troyes-Savinienne in the final on 27 May 1956 at Stade Olympique Yves-du-Manoir in Colombes.[48] Goals from Diego Cuenca, Pierre Tillon, and an own goal by Georges Tabouret sealed the triumph, marking Sedan's breakthrough as a cup contender and providing a morale boost to the post-war recovery in the Ardennes region.[48] This success not only qualified the club for the Trophée des Champions, which they won 1–0 against OGC Nice on 24 June 1956, but also solidified Dugauguez's tactical approach emphasizing defensive solidity and counter-attacks. Entering the 1960s, Sedan Ardennes maintained its Division 1 status with steady performances, including a 5th-place finish in 1961–62 that highlighted their growing competitiveness.[46] The decade's second cup triumph arrived in the 1960–61 Coupe de France, where the team defeated Nîmes Olympique 3–1 in the final on 7 May 1961 at the same Colombes venue, with goals from Max Fulgenzi, Claude Brény, and Mohamed Salem proving decisive.[49] This victory, again under Dugauguez's guidance, earned Sedan a debut in European competition, though they exited the 1961–62 European Cup Winners' Cup in the preliminary round after aggregate losses to Atlético Madrid (2–3 home, 1–4 away).[50] These cup successes, amid Division 1 consolidation, fostered infrastructure enhancements at Stade Louis Dugauguez, including capacity expansions to accommodate rising attendance in the industrial Ardennes, where the club's achievements galvanized a dedicated working-class fan base.[29] The triumphs underscored Sedan's emergence as a national force, blending regional pride with on-field resilience during a transformative period for French football.[46]Mid-tier stability and promotions (1970s–2000s)
Following relegation from Division 1 in 1971, CS Sedan Ardennes competed in Division 2 during the early 1970s, achieving promotion back to the top flight in the 1971–72 season by topping Group A with 48 points from 30 matches and a goal difference of +64.[51] However, the club faced another demotion in 1974, dropping to Division 3, where it remained for much of the decade, finishing mid-table in the Nord group, such as 9th in 1976–77 with 30 points.[52] This period marked a transitional phase of consolidation in the lower professional tiers, with the team avoiding deeper declines while building toward renewed competitiveness. The 1980s brought greater stability under coach Pierre Tordo, who led the side from 1980 to 1987 and oversaw a promotion from Division 3 in 1982–83 by securing 2nd place in the Est group with 41 points and a +21 goal difference.[52][53] Reinstated in Division 2 for 1983–84, Sedan maintained a solid mid-table presence, including 10th place in 1984–85 with 36 points, reflecting defensive resilience and consistent home form that prevented further relegation until 1986.[51] After Tordo's departure, the club returned to Division 3 but achieved another promotion in 1990–91, winning the Est group with 39 points from 30 matches and just three losses.[52] These yo-yo movements between the second and third divisions underscored Sedan's role as a reliable mid-tier club, often punching above its regional weight through tactical discipline rather than star power. Entering the 1990s, Sedan stabilized in Division 2 (later Ligue 2) after the 1991 promotion, posting respectable finishes like 8th in 1991–92 with 40 points, though relegation loomed in 1995.[51] A return to the top flight came in 1999 via promotion from Ligue 2, where the team finished 2nd. In their first Ligue 1 season of 1999–2000, Sedan narrowly avoided relegation by ending 15th with 38 points, relying on key home wins to secure survival in a tightly contested bottom half. This stint in the elite division lasted until 2003, highlighted by participation in the 2001–02 UEFA Cup, where Sedan exited in the first round after a 3–1 home win over FC Marila Příbram but a 4–0 away defeat, resulting in a 3–5 aggregate loss.[54] The early 2000s represented a peak, bolstered by the opening of the Stade Louis Dugauguez in October 2000, a modern 23,189-capacity venue that significantly increased average attendance to over 10,000 per match—far exceeding norms for a city of around 20,000 inhabitants—and provided superior facilities for training and recovery, contributing to improved squad cohesion.[55] After relegation from Ligue 1 in 2003, Sedan quickly rebounded in Ligue 2, clinching 2nd place in 2005–06 with 71 points from 38 matches (19 wins, 14 draws, 5 losses, +18 goal difference), earning direct promotion alongside Valenciennes.[56] This achievement capped a decade of upward mobility, with the club's blend of local talent and strategic recruitment fostering a competitive edge in France's professional pyramid.Decline, financial crisis, and recovery (2010s–present)
In the early 2010s, CS Sedan Ardennes experienced a sharp decline, culminating in relegation from Ligue 2 at the end of the 2012–13 season after finishing 19th in the league standings with only 31 points from 38 matches. Compounding the sporting demotion, the club faced severe financial distress, including a declaration of bankruptcy, which led to an administrative penalty of two divisions instead of one, placing them in the Championnat National 3 (fifth tier) for the 2013–14 campaign.[57][12] This marked the beginning of a prolonged struggle with debts and inconsistent results, as the club oscillated between the fourth and fifth tiers, returning to the Championnat National 2 (fourth tier) for the 2017–18 season but failing to stabilize amid ongoing economic pressures.[58] The crisis deepened in 2023, when, despite a respectable seventh-place finish in the Championnat National (third tier) during the 2022–23 season, Sedan was administratively relegated to the Régional 3 (eighth tier) by the French Football Federation (FFF) due to financial irregularities and a projected budget deficit of €1.352 million. The club's management under president Marc Dubois had accumulated significant debts, leading to a judicial liquidation pronounced by the Sedan commercial court on August 28, 2023, which stripped the club of its professional status and forced a complete restructuring. This event represented the nadir of the club's fortunes, erasing over a century of professional history and prompting widespread concern for its survival.[59][60][61] Recovery efforts began immediately under new president Daniel Guérin, who assumed leadership in 2023 to oversee the club's rebirth as an amateur entity focused on youth development and community engagement. Sedan competed in the Régional 3 during the 2023–24 season before earning promotion to the Régional 2 (seventh tier) for 2024–25, where they topped Group A with an undefeated record to secure another promotion to the Régional 1 Grand Est (sixth tier) for the 2025–26 campaign. As of November 2025, the club remains competitive in this division, bolstered by local supporter initiatives and investments, including from notable figures like Kalidou Koulibaly, emphasizing a sustainable rebuild centered on academy talents rather than immediate professional aspirations.[62][63][3]League record
All-time statistics
CS Sedan Ardennes has participated in approximately 72 seasons across French football divisions since entering professional leagues in the 1953–54 season, with a total of over 2,000 league matches played. In the top three tiers (Ligue 1, Ligue 2, and Championnat National), the club maintains an overall win rate of around 32%, reflecting consistent mid-table competitiveness during its peak eras.[64] For instance, during its five seasons in Ligue 1 from 1999–2000 to 2002–03 and 2006–07, Sedan secured 57 victories in 170 matches.[57] The club has spent 23 seasons in Ligue 1, 22 in Ligue 2, 5 in Championnat National, and 6 in Championnat National 2. In Ligue 1, Sedan achieved approximately 308 wins across 918 matches for a 33.6% win rate, while in Ligue 2, it recorded 234 wins in 804 matches (29.1% win rate).[64] These divisional totals highlight the club's historical presence in the upper echelons of French football, particularly from the 1950s to the 1970s and a resurgence in the early 2000s. Across all competitions, Sedan boasts a strong home record at Stade Louis Dugauguez, with win percentages exceeding 50% in top-tier matches prior to the 2010s, contributing significantly to survival in higher divisions. Away performances have been more variable, often mirroring overall league trends with win rates around 25-30% in Ligue 1 and Ligue 2. The club's all-time top scorers demonstrate prolific output from its golden eras, with many achieving double-digit goal tallies in multiple seasons. Verified records indicate the leading marksmen include:| Rank | Player | Goals | Matches | Period (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Claude Breny | 172 | ~300 | 1950s–1960s |
| 2 | Mohamed Salem | 107 | ~200 | 1960s–1970s |
| 3 | Jacques Levavasseur | 105 | 147 | 1940s–1950s |
| 4 | Christian Oliver | ~100 | ~250 | 1950s–1960s |
Season-by-season summary
The season-by-season record of CS Sedan Ardennes in domestic leagues reflects the club's trajectory from amateur regional competitions to professional top-flight success in the mid-20th century, followed by periods of stability, promotions, and recent challenges due to financial difficulties. Prior to entering the professional ranks in 1953, the club competed in amateur divisions, winning the Championnat de France des Amateurs in 1948, 1949, and 1950, which paved the way for its professional debut.[29] The following table summarizes key seasons in the professional and semi-professional leagues from 1953–54 onward, focusing on division, final position, and notable outcomes such as promotions or relegations. Points are included where available from historical records to provide context on performance scale.| Season | Division | Position | Points | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1953–54 | Division 2 | 5th | 38 | Mid-table finish in inaugural professional season. |
| 1954–55 | Division 2 | 1st | N/A | Champions; promoted to Division 1.[66] |
| 1955–56 | Division 1 | 9th | N/A | Stable mid-table; reached Coupe de France final. |
| 1956–57 | Division 1 | 9th | N/A | Mid-table. |
| 1957–58 | Division 1 | 5th | N/A | Strong upper-mid-table finish. |
| 1958–59 | Division 1 | 10th | N/A | Mid-table. |
| 1959–60 | Division 1 | 11th | N/A | Mid-table. |
| 1960–61 | Division 1 | 9th | N/A | Mid-table; reached Coupe de France final. |
| 1961–62 | Division 1 | 5th | N/A | Upper-mid-table. |
| 1962–63 | Division 1 | 3rd | N/A | Best-ever league finish. |
| 1963–64 | Division 1 | 12th | N/A | Mid-table. |
| 1964–65 | Division 1 | 14th | N/A | Lower-mid-table. |
| 1965–66 | Division 1 | 9th | N/A | Mid-table. |
| 1966–67 | Division 1 | 5th | N/A | Upper-mid-table. |
| 1967–68 | Division 1 | 10th | N/A | Mid-table. |
| 1968–69 | Division 1 | 5th | N/A | Upper-mid-table. |
| 1969–70 | Division 1 | 3rd | N/A | Near-champions finish. |
| 1970–71 | Division 1 | 20th | N/A | Relegated. |
| 1971–72 | Division 2 (Groupe A) | 1st | N/A | Champions; promoted.[4] |
| 1972–73 | Division 1 | 17th | N/A | Survived relegation. |
| 1973–74 | Division 1 | 20th | N/A | Relegated. |
| 1974–75 | Division 2 (Groupe A) | 4th | N/A | Playoff contention. |
| 1975–76 | Division 2 (Groupe A) | 16th | N/A | Relegated.[67] |
| 1983–84 | Division 2 (Groupe B) | 11th | N/A | Mid-table after promotion from Division 3. |
| 1984–85 | Division 2 (Groupe A) | 8th | N/A | Solid mid-table. |
| 1985–86 | Division 2 (Groupe B) | 18th | N/A | Relegated. |
| 1991–92 | Division 2 (Groupe A) | 15th | N/A | Survival after promotion. |
| 1992–93 | Division 2 (Groupe A) | 6th | N/A | Playoff push. |
| 1993–94 | Division 2 | 11th | N/A | Mid-table. |
| 1994–95 | Division 2 | 21st | N/A | Relegated. |
| 1997–98 | National (3rd tier) | 2nd | N/A | Runners-up; promoted via playoffs.[4] |
| 1998–99 | Division 2 | 2nd | N/A | Runners-up; promoted. |
| 1999–00 | Division 1 | 7th | N/A | Strong mid-table. |
| 2000–01 | Division 1 | 5th | N/A | Upper-mid-table; UEFA Cup qualification. |
| 2001–02 | Division 1 | 14th | N/A | Mid-table. |
| 2002–03 | Division 1 | 19th | N/A | Relegated. |
| 2003–04 | Division 2 | 5th | N/A | Playoff semi-finalists. |
| 2004–05 | Ligue 2 | 6th | N/A | Playoff contention. |
| 2005–06 | Ligue 2 | 2nd | N/A | Runners-up; promoted. |
| 2006–07 | Ligue 1 | 16th | 45 | Survived relegation on goal difference.[57] |
| 2007–08 | Ligue 2 | 4th | N/A | Playoff semi-finalists. |
| 2008–09 | Ligue 2 | 9th | N/A | Mid-table. |
| 2009–10 | Ligue 2 | 12th | N/A | Mid-table. |
| 2010–11 | Ligue 2 | 5th | N/A | Playoff semi-finalists. |
| 2011–12 | Ligue 2 | 4th | N/A | Playoff finalists. |
| 2012–13 | Ligue 2 | 19th | N/A | Relegated. |
| 2014–15 | CFA (4th tier) | 1st | N/A | Champions; promoted.[4] |
| 2015–16 | National (3rd tier) | 12th | N/A | Mid-table. |
| 2016–17 | National | 17th | N/A | Relegated. |
| 2017–18 | National 2 (Groupe C) | 2nd | N/A | Runners-up; promoted. |
| 2018–19 | National 2 (Groupe D) | 3rd | N/A | Playoff promotion. |
| 2019–20 | National 2 (Groupe A) | 2nd | N/A | Season curtailed; promoted. |
| 2020–21 | National 2 (Groupe B) | 12th | N/A | Mid-table; relegated. |
| 2021–22 | National | 8th | N/A | Mid-table. |
| 2022–23 | National | 7th | N/A | Administrative relegation to Régional 3 due to financial issues.[68][69] |
| 2023–24 | Régional 3 Grand Est | 1st | N/A | Champions; promoted to Régional 2. |
| 2024–25 | Régional 2 Grand Est | 1st | N/A | Champions; promoted to Régional 1.[70] |
| 2025–26 | Régional 1 Grand Est | 1st (as of Nov 2025) | 25 | Ongoing season; recent 2–0 win vs. Bogny FC on Nov 1, 2025.[71][72] |
Players and staff
Current squad
As of November 2025, CS Sedan Ardennes' first-team squad consists of 25 players competing in the Régional 1 Grand Est, following promotion from Régional 2 at the end of the 2024–25 season. The team emphasizes a blend of local youth academy products and recent signings, with limited international experience among players, including caps for Yeni Ngbakoto with DR Congo. The average age stands at 26.9 years, reflecting a focus on emerging talents alongside experienced leaders, and 24% of the roster (6 players) are foreign nationals, primarily from African countries. Since the club's administrative relegation in 2023 due to financial difficulties, which shifted it to fully amateur status in the lower tiers, the squad has transitioned to a semi-professional model with many players balancing football and other employment; this structure persists in 2025, prioritizing cost-effective recruitment from regional leagues. Key summer 2025 additions include defender Alexandre Leroy from ES Thaon, goalkeeper Anthony Mfa Mezui from FC Rodange 91, midfielder Samba Lam from ES Thaon, and forward Colin Villa, bolstering the lineup for the promotion push.[73] The squad is organized below by position, with details on name, age, and nationality (squad numbers are not publicly assigned as of this date).[74]Goalkeepers
| Name | Age | Nationality |
|---|---|---|
| Noam Marques | 20 | France |
| Anthony Mfa Mezui | 34 | Gabon/France |
Defenders
| Name | Age | Nationality |
|---|---|---|
| Djibril Touré | - | France |
| Rodolphe Mabunda | 34 | France/DR Congo |
| Seydou N'To Sanogo | 26 | Côte d'Ivoire |
| Axel Villière | 25 | France |
| Alexandre Leroy | 26 | France |
| Amidou Diop | 21 | Senegal |
| Adrian Evrard | 20 | France |
| Tom Noël | 19 | France |
Midfielders
| Name | Age | Nationality |
|---|---|---|
| Roman Marbeuhan | 27 | France |
| Samba Lam | 24 | France/Senegal |
| François Borgniet | 35 | France |
| Antonin Rousseau | 24 | France |
| Romain Rozier | 31 | France |
| Yannis Khenchoul | 26 | France/Algeria |
| Thélio Zanier | 20 | France |
Forwards
| Name | Age | Nationality |
|---|---|---|
| Yeni Ngbakoto | 33 | DR Congo/France |
| Hervaine Moukam | 31 | France/Cameroon |
| Gédeon Mulenda | 23 | France/DR Congo |
| Florentin Bouoli | 27 | Cameroon |
| Nathan Regnault | 29 | France |
| Patrice Sousia | 26 | Cameroon |
| Colin Villa | 25 | France |
| Sedia Jabbie | 25 | France |
Notable former players
CS Sedan Ardennes has produced several players who achieved significant recognition either through international careers or as club icons, particularly those with over 100 appearances or substantial goal contributions during their time at the club. Among the club legends from the mid-20th century, Célestin Oliver stands out as a prolific striker who joined from Toulouse in 1953 and played until 1958, scoring 101 goals in 162 appearances while earning 5 caps for the France national team, including participation in the 1952 Olympics.[75][76] Claude Brény, another forward from the same era, holds the all-time scoring record with 172 goals across 349 appearances from 1953 to 1966, contributing to the club's 1961 Coupe de France victory where he scored in the final.[65] Mohamed Salem, an Algerian-born defender-turned-striker, amassed 105 goals in over 200 appearances between 1960 and 1972, making him the second-highest scorer in club history and a key figure in Sedan's post-war success.[75] In the 1970s, Mustapha Dahleb emerged as an attacking midfielder, playing 112 matches and scoring 30 goals from 1969 to 1974 before transferring to Paris Saint-Germain, where he became a Ligue 1 legend with 98 goals in 309 appearances and earned 3 caps for the Algeria national team.[77] Ivica Osim, a Yugoslav international midfielder with 37 caps, featured for Sedan from 1972 to 1975, recording 74 appearances and 11 goals; he later gained fame as a coach, leading Japan to the 2004 Asian Cup final.[78][79] More recent international stars include Modeste M'bami, a defensive midfielder who made 78 appearances for Sedan from 2000 to 2003 before moving to PSG and Marseille, earning 38 caps for Cameroon including a 2000 Olympic gold medal and scoring 3 international goals.[80][81] Nadir Belhadj, an Algerian left-back with 69 national team caps, played 107 matches for the club between 2004 and 2007, helping secure promotion to Ligue 1 in 2006 before joining Portsmouth in the Premier League.[82] Marcus Mokaké, a Cameroonian forward, holds one of the highest appearance totals with 254 games and 50 goals from 2003 to 2011, establishing himself as a consistent scorer during Sedan's mid-2000s stability in Ligue 2. Michaël Ciani, a centre-back, contributed 40 appearances and 3 goals in the 2005–2006 season, launching a career that saw him play over 200 Ligue 1 matches with Bordeaux and Lazio, though he did not earn senior France caps.Head coaches
CS Sedan Ardennes has seen a succession of head coaches since its founding, with Louis Dugauguez holding the longest tenure and overseeing the club's most celebrated era. Many managers have navigated periods of promotion and relegation, contributing to the club's intermittent presence in France's top divisions, though recent years have been marked by shorter stints amid financial challenges and lower-tier competition.[83] Key figures include Dugauguez, who managed from 1948 to 1974 across two spells and led Sedan to two Coupe de France triumphs in 1956 and 1961, establishing the club as a cup powerhouse during the post-war period.[84][85] His leadership also secured promotion to Division 1 in 1955 as Ligue 2 champions.[86] In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Patrick Rémy guided the team from 1998 to 2000, achieving promotion to Ligue 1 in 1999 after finishing as Ligue 2 runners-up.[83] Serge Romano, serving from 2003 to 2007 (with an extension into the 2006-07 season), masterminded the club's last ascent to Ligue 1 by winning the 2005-06 Ligue 2 title with 71 points.[56][83] Later coaches faced relegation battles and recovery efforts. Michel Le Flochmoan provided stability from 1986 to 1994, overseeing consistent mid-table finishes in Division 2.[87] Farid Fouzari, in charge from 2013 to 2015, secured promotion from CFA to Championnat National in 2015.[83] More recently, Olivier Saragaglia managed from 2021 to 2023, helping the club earn promotion to Régional 2 in 2023 following administrative relegation. Élise Bussaglia was appointed head coach in July 2024, leading the team to promotion to Régional 1 at the end of the 2024–25 season.[83][88] The following table summarizes notable head coaches and their tenures:| Coach | Tenure | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Louis Dugauguez | 1948–1974 | Coupe de France wins (1956, 1961); Ligue 2 champions (1955)[84][85][86] |
| Pierre Tordo | 1980–1987 | Mid-table stability in Division 2[83] |
| Michel Le Flochmoan | 1986–1994 | 8-year tenure with consistent Division 2 performances[87] |
| Patrick Rémy | 1998–2000 | Promotion to Ligue 1 (1999 runners-up)[83] |
| Serge Romano | 2003–2007 | Ligue 2 champions (2006); promotion to Ligue 1[56][83] |
| Landry Chauvin | 2008–2011 | Maintained Ligue 2 status amid challenges[83] |
| Laurent Guyot | 2011–2013 | Relegation avoidance efforts in Ligue 2[83] |
| Farid Fouzari | 2013–2015 | Promotion to Championnat National (2015)[83] |
| Roger Lemerre | 2016 | Brief stint; former France national team coach[87] |
| Olivier Saragaglia | 2021–2023 | Promotion to Régional 2 (2023)[83] |
| Élise Bussaglia | 2024–present | Promotion to Régional 1 (2025); ongoing tenure[88] |