En Avant Guingamp
En Avant Guingamp, commonly abbreviated as EAG, is a professional association football club based in the small Breton town of Guingamp, France, with a population of approximately 7,000 residents.[1] Founded in 1912 as the Société d’Éducation Physique En Avant by local schoolteachers to promote physical education through sports, the club established its football section in 1918 and joined the French Football Federation that year.[2] It currently competes in Ligue 2, the second division of French football, where it holds a mid-table position in the 2025–26 season as of November 2025, and plays its home matches at the Stade de Roudourou, a 19,033-capacity stadium inaugurated in 1990.[1][3] The club's early years were marked by regional competition in Brittany's amateur leagues, achieving promotion to the Division d'Honneur in 1929 under president André Lorgeré and gaining national exposure through Coupe de France appearances in the 1930s, including matches against top clubs like Racing Paris.[2] Post-World War II, under president Hubert Couquet from 1945, En Avant Guingamp recruited international talent and competed in the Division d'Honneur, reaching the 32nd finals of the Coupe de France multiple times in the late 1940s and early 1950s, though it faced challenges with relegations and infrastructure limitations.[4] The 1970s brought professionalization, with promotion to Division 2 in 1976 under influential figures like Noël Le Graët, who later became president of the French Football Federation, laying the groundwork for sustained growth.[5] En Avant Guingamp's most notable successes have come in cup competitions, establishing it as a giant-killer despite its modest size. The club won the Coupe de France twice, in 2009 (2–1 victory over rivals Stade Rennais) and 2014 (2–0 over Rennes again), both at the Stade de France, and finished as runners-up in 1997.[6] It also claimed the Intertoto Cup in 1997, reached the round of 32 in the 2014–15 UEFA Europa League, and was runners-up in the Coupe de la Ligue in 2019.[5][6] Over its history, the club has spent 13 seasons in Ligue 1, the top flight, primarily between 1995 and 2019, with promotions in 1995, 2000, and 2013, often punching above its weight through shrewd management and youth development at its renowned Akademi system.[7] Despite relegations to Ligue 2, most recently in 2019, including a failed promotion playoff attempt in May 2025 against USL Dunkerque, EAG maintains a reputation for financial prudence and community ties, symbolized by its motto "Tous Ensemble" (All Together).[5][8]History
Foundation and early years
En Avant Guingamp was founded in 1912 in the town of Guingamp, Brittany, by Henri Deschamps, the director of the local boys' primary school, as a multi-sports club named Société d'Éducation Physique En Avant to promote physical education and republican values through activities including football, gymnastics, and swimming.[2][9][10] Initially operating as a secular patronage club, it emphasized amateur participation and joined the Comité Français Interfédéral in 1918, formalizing its focus on football under the Fédération Française de Football shortly after World War I.[2][11] The club maintained amateur status throughout its early decades, competing in regional Breton leagues of the Grand Ouest and gradually building a presence in local competitions. In 1920, André Lorgeré, the town's mayor and a key supporter, became the first president, alongside figures like Yves Jaguin and Georges Voisin, who helped establish facilities at the Parc des Sports in Montbareil.[2][11] By 1929, En Avant achieved its first promotion to the Division d'Honneur, the highest regional level, where it competed against rivals like FC Lorient and Stade Brestois for two seasons before relegation, marking an early milestone in Breton football.[2][9] The 1930s brought the club's first major successes, including multiple regional championships that elevated its profile, with participation in the inaugural Coupe de France in 1929 and matches against prominent teams like Racing Club de Paris.[2][11] Club activities persisted through the disruptions of World War II, supported by long-serving coach Burlot from 1926 to 1946, ensuring continuity despite wartime challenges.[2] In the late 1940s, En Avant transitioned toward greater structure, achieving a second promotion to the Division d'Honneur in 1949, which positioned it within the national amateur framework and set the stage for further development in Breton football.[2][11]Professional era and key promotions
En Avant Guingamp transitioned to professional status in 1984, marking a pivotal moment after years of operating as an amateur outfit in the national leagues. This change was spearheaded by president Noël Le Graët, who had assumed leadership in 1972 and guided the club to its first promotion to Division 3 in 1976, followed by elevation to Division 2 the next year.[12] The adoption of professionalism allowed Guingamp to compete more competitively in the second tier, though the club initially relied on a semi-professional structure before full implementation.[13] During the early professional years, managers like Raymond Kéruzoré, who served as player-manager from 1981 to 1986, emphasized disciplined, counter-attacking play suited to the club's limited resources and regional talent pool. Kéruzoré's tenure brought relative stability, with the team consistently finishing in the mid-table of Division 2, such as 5th in 1984/85 and 3rd in 1985/86, avoiding relegation while building a foundation for future growth.[14] These tactical approaches focused on defensive solidity and exploiting transitions, reflecting the pragmatic style common among smaller French clubs navigating the professional landscape.[15] The 1980s presented significant financial hurdles for Guingamp, a club from a town of just over 7,000 inhabitants, including rising operational costs associated with professional contracts and infrastructure needs. Survival depended heavily on robust local support, including community fundraising and sponsorships from Brittany-based businesses, which Le Graët cultivated to sustain the club's ambitions without external investment.[12] This grassroots backing proved essential, enabling mid-table consistency in Division 2 through the decade despite economic pressures in French football at the time. Guingamp's breakthrough came with promotion to Division 1 in 1995, achieved by finishing 2nd in the restructured Division 2 during the 1994/95 season under manager Guy Lacombe. This marked the club's first entry into the top flight after decades in lower divisions, a testament to steady progress.[16] However, the top-tier stint proved challenging; the team recorded 10th place in 1995/96, 12th in 1996/97, and a precarious 16th in 1997/98, culminating in relegation back to Division 2.[16] This pattern established Guingamp as a yo-yo club in the late 1990s, oscillating between tiers while maintaining competitive edge through resilient local identity and tactical adaptability. Following relegation, Guingamp swiftly returned to Ligue 1 by securing 2nd place in the 1999–2000 Ligue 2 season under manager Guy Lacombe. However, they struggled in the top flight, finishing 16th in 2000–01 and facing immediate relegation once more.[17]Major achievements and recent seasons
En Avant Guingamp achieved one of its most notable successes in the 2008–09 Coupe de France, defeating rivals Stade Rennais 2–1 in the final at the Stade de France on 9 May 2009. Eduardo scored both goals for Guingamp in the second half, at the 72nd and 83rd minutes, overturning an equalizer from Rennes' Carlos Bocanegra in the 69th minute.[18] The club repeated this triumph in the 2013–14 Coupe de France, securing a 2–0 victory over Stade Rennais in the final on 3 May 2014 at the same venue, marking a historic repeat of the 2009 matchup. Jonathan Martins-Pereira opened the scoring in the 37th minute, followed by Mustapha Yatabaré's goal in the 46th minute. Earlier in the tournament, Guingamp advanced past AS Monaco 3–1 in extra time during the semi-final on 16 April 2014.[19][20] Guingamp's promotion to Ligue 1 came at the end of the 2012–13 Ligue 2 season, where the club finished 2nd and earned promotion under manager Jocelyn Gourvennec, with 70 points from 38 matches (20 wins, 10 draws, 8 losses). This success marked their return to the top flight after a nine-year absence.[21] (Note: Using as secondary confirmation since primary sources align; primary from squad and manager records.) Following the 2013 promotion, Guingamp maintained top-flight status for six seasons until relegation in 2018–19, finishing 20th in Ligue 1 with just 27 points from 38 matches, confirmed after a 1–1 draw against Rennes on 12 May 2019. The club has since competed in Ligue 2, experiencing mid-table finishes without further top-division demotions. Post-relegation challenges included financial adjustments through player sales, such as Marcus Thuram to Borussia Mönchengladbach for €9 million in July 2019, to stabilize operations amid reduced revenues.[22][23] In response, Guingamp emphasized its renowned youth academy, producing talents like Thuram and continuing to integrate academy graduates into the senior squad to build sustainably.[24] Guingamp finished 5th in the 2024–25 Ligue 2 season. In the 2025–26 season, as of November 2025, the club is in 9th place after 14 matches, positioned mid-table with potential for promotion contention.[25]Club identity
Stadium and facilities
The Stade de Roudourou, located in the heart of Guingamp in Brittany, France, serves as the home venue for En Avant Guingamp since its opening on January 21, 1990. Constructed at a cost of FRF 18 million and designed by local architect Jean-Yves Philippe, the stadium replaced the club's earlier ground, the Stade Yves-Jaguin, which had hosted matches since 1922. Initial capacity stood at around 12,000, with subsequent expansions in 1995 and 1997 accommodating the team's rise to Ligue 1.[26][27][28] Further renovations in 2007 and during the 2010s, including updates in 2014 and 2018, modernized the facilities with improved seating, lighting, and pitch surfaces using Desso GrassMaster hybrid grass. The current all-seated capacity is 18,462, making it one of the larger venues in Ligue 2 relative to Guingamp's population of approximately 7,000. As a municipal stadium situated at Rue du Manoir, it functions as a community hub, hosting local events such as concerts and gatherings that foster social cohesion beyond football.[29][27][30] En Avant Guingamp's training infrastructure is centered at the Pro Park complex in nearby Pabu, a state-of-the-art facility completed in 2019 to support the first team with dedicated pitches, gymnasiums, and recovery areas. Complementing this is the adjacent Akademi, the club's youth academy opened in 2016, which includes multiple training fields established to nurture talent from the region starting in the mid-2000s.[31][32] The stadium has seen notable attendance surges during key competitions, particularly the 2014 Coupe de France campaign, where the semi-final victory over AS Monaco on April 16 drew a crowd of 15,758—among the highest for a home match at the time. The vibrant matchday atmosphere, driven by dedicated supporters, amplifies the venue's role as a focal point for local pride.[33][34]Crest, colours, and kits
The crest of En Avant Guingamp features a design inspired by the triskelion, an ancient triple spiral symbol representing Breton cultural heritage and regional identity. The emblem incorporates the club's initials "EAG," the founding year 1912, and elements of the Breton flag, all rendered in the traditional red and black palette. The current version, adopted in 2019, shifts to a classic shield shape from the previous rectangular form used since 2000, enhancing its traditional aesthetic while maintaining the core triskelion motif.[35][36][37] The club's traditional colors are red and black, established since its foundation in 1912 and symbolizing passion and determination; these dominate home kits with vertical black sashes across red shirts, often accented by white collars or trim. Variations have occurred over time, including blue shorts and socks in early professional eras, and temporary red-dominated designs with bold accents during the 1990s under Adidas sponsorship. Away kits typically feature white bases with black or red details, while third kits occasionally introduce alternative shades like navy to evoke Breton maritime themes.[36][38] En Avant Guingamp's kit suppliers have evolved alongside its professional ascent. Kappa became the official manufacturer in 2024, producing the 2024-25 home kit with a subtle red-black-white pattern honoring the club's heritage. Prior partnerships include Umbro from 2019 to 2024, which introduced anniversary editions like the 2022-23 black-and-gold third kit for the club's 110th year; Patrick from 2012 to 2019, noted for innovative sash designs; and Adidas from 1994 to 2012, during which the club achieved key promotions and cup successes with prominent red-accented uniforms. Earlier suppliers like Nike (1989-1993) supported the transition to higher divisions.[38][39][40] Special edition kits have marked significant milestones, such as the 2014-15 Patrick home shirt, which celebrated the club's 2013-14 Coupe de France triumph with a bold red base, black sash, and embroidered champion insignia to commemorate the 2-0 victory over Stade Rennais. These limited releases often appear in supporter merchandise, blending historical nods with modern apparel.[41]Supporters, culture, and rivalries
En Avant Guingamp's supporter base is characterized by passionate local fandom, deeply rooted in the small Breton community of Guingamp, which has a population of approximately 7,100 residents. The primary ultras group is the Kop Rouge, established in November 1993 by a group of high school friends who began animating matches in the National league and have since occupied the Latérale Ouest (Patrick) stand at Stade de Roudourou, creating an electric atmosphere through chants, tifos, and pyrotechnics.[42][43][44] The group marked its 30th anniversary in 2023 with events celebrating its enduring role in fostering club loyalty, including large-scale tifos that require months of preparation.[45] The club's culture is intertwined with Breton identity, emphasizing regional pride and linguistic heritage. Guingamp's motto, "War Raok" (meaning "Forward" in Breton), symbolizes the resilient spirit of the Breton people and is prominently featured in club communications and matchday rituals.[44] During derbies involving other Breton teams, the regional anthem Bro Gozh ma Zadoù ("Old Land of My Fathers") is performed, reinforcing cultural ties; for instance, it was sung by Brittany native Nolwenn Leroy before the 2014 Coupe de France final between Guingamp and Stade Rennais.[46] The club also participates in Breton cultural events, such as promoting traditional elements through partnerships with local Celtic organizations, which highlight the team's role as a symbol of regional resilience despite its modest size.[47] Key rivalries define much of Guingamp's competitive narrative, particularly within the Derby Breton framework involving other Breton clubs. The most intense is with Stade Rennais, dubbed "Le Celtico," featuring heated encounters since the 1990s; Guingamp has triumphed in six Ligue 1 matches against Rennes in the 2010s and defeated them in the Coupe de France finals of 2009 (2-1) and 2014 (2-0).[48] Matches against FC Lorient form another significant rivalry, with 12 competitive fixtures since the 2009/10 season yielding five wins for Guingamp, two draws, and five for Lorient, often marked by regional tension but without the same level of animosity as the Celtico.[49][44] Fan attendance at Roudourou has remained robust in the 2020s, reflecting sustained community support amid league fluctuations following the 2019 relegation from Ligue 1. Average home crowds averaged 8,650 in the 2023-24 Ligue 2 season and 8,824 in 2024-25, with peaks exceeding 10,000 for key derbies, underscoring the club's role as a local anchor.[50][51] In response to relegation challenges, Guingamp has bolstered community engagement through initiatives like youth outreach and local partnerships, maintaining high female subscriber rates (around 15% of total, among the highest in French clubs) to broaden its base.[52]Players and staff
Current squad
As of November 2025, En Avant Guingamp's first-team squad for the 2025/26 Ligue 2 season comprises 24 players, emphasizing a mix of experienced performers and academy graduates to maintain competitiveness on a balanced budget.[53] The roster features strong representation from French nationals with dual citizenships, reflecting the club's Breton roots and focus on local talent development. Dylan Louiserre serves as captain, providing leadership in midfield.[53]Goalkeepers
The goalkeeper unit is led by experienced Adrián Ortolá, with backups including the homegrown Noah Marec.| No. | Player | Age | Nationality | Contract Expiry | Market Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Adrián Ortolá | 32 | Spain | Jun 30, 2027 | €200k |
| 1 | Teddy Bartouche-Selbonne | 28 | Guadeloupe/France | Jun 30, 2027 | €200k |
| 40 | Noah Marec | 21 | France | Jun 30, 2027 | €200k |
Defenders
Defensively, the squad relies on versatile centre-backs like Donatien Gomis and emerging talents such as Jérémie Matumona, with full-backs providing width and crossing ability.[53]| No. | Player | Age | Nationality | Contract Expiry | Market Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | Sohaib Naïr | 23 | Algeria/France | Jun 30, 2027 | €500k |
| 7 | Donatien Gomis | 31 | Senegal/France | Jun 30, 2027 | €400k |
| 36 | Albin Demouchy | 23 | France | Jun 30, 2026 | €300k |
| 38 | Idriss Planeix | 18 | France/Mali | Jun 30, 2027 | €200k |
| 29 | Akim Abdallah | 28 | Comoros/France | Jun 30, 2027 | €500k |
| 23 | Dylan Ourega | 21 | France/Cote d'Ivoire | Jun 30, 2028 | €400k |
| 22 | Alpha Sissoko | 28 | France/Mali | Jun 30, 2026 | €500k |
| 2 | Erwin Koffi | 30 | France/Cote d'Ivoire | Jun 30, 2027 | €600k |
| 3 | Jérémie Matumona | 19 | France/DR Congo | Jun 30, 2029 | €500k |
Midfielders
The midfield core combines defensive solidity from players like Kalidou Sidibé with creative outlets such as Amine Hemia, supporting the team's transitional play.[53] Youth integrations include Tanguy Ahile, a 21-year-old academy product who has secured a regular role, underscoring Guingamp's commitment to developing internal talent.[53]| No. | Player | Age | Nationality | Contract Expiry | Market Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Kalidou Sidibé | 26 | Mali/France | Jun 30, 2026 | €800k |
| 4 | Dylan Louiserre (Captain) | 30 | France/Guadeloupe | Jun 30, 2028 | €900k |
| 39 | Tanguy Ahile | 21 | France/Cote d'Ivoire | Jun 30, 2027 | €500k |
| 6 | Darly N'Landu | 25 | France/DR Congo | Jun 30, 2027 | €1.2m |
| 10 | Amine Hemia | 27 | France/Algeria | Jun 30, 2027 | €1.8m |
Forwards
Up front, Louis Mafouta anchors the attack as the primary centre-forward, flanked by wingers including recent signing Gautier Ott, who joined permanently from Académico de Viseu for an undisclosed fee to bolster width.[53][54]| No. | Player | Age | Nationality | Contract Expiry | Market Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | Jérémy Hatchi | 20 | Guadeloupe/France | Jun 30, 2026 | €400k |
| 21 | Freddy Mbemba | 22 | France/DR Congo | Jun 30, 2026 | €500k |
| 24 | Gautier Ott | 23 | France | Jun 30, 2028 | €600k |
| 11 | Amadou Sagna | 26 | Senegal | Jun 30, 2026 | €700k |
| 34 | Youssef Njoya | 21 | France/Cameroon | Jun 30, 2026 | €400k |
| 9 | Louis Mafouta | 31 | Central African Republic/France | Jun 30, 2028 | €1.5m |
| 27 | Stanislas Kielt | 23 | France/Poland | Jun 30, 2029 | €1.1m |
Notable former players
Didier Drogba began his professional career at En Avant Guingamp, joining the club in 1998 and remaining until 2002, where he emerged as a prolific striker, scoring 39 goals in 64 Ligue 1 appearances and helping the team achieve its best-ever league finish of seventh place in the 2002–03 season with 17 goals that year alone.[56][57] His physical presence and goal-scoring ability during this period laid the foundation for his subsequent success at Olympique de Marseille and Chelsea. Florent Malouda developed into a dynamic left winger at Guingamp from 2000 to 2003, contributing significantly with his pace, dribbling, and creative play, which included key assists in Ligue 1 matches before his transfer to Olympique Lyonnais for a reported €4 million.[58] Malouda's time at the club marked a breakthrough, showcasing his potential as one of France's rising talents in the early 2000s. Mustapha Yatabaré proved instrumental in Guingamp's 2013–14 campaign, joining in 2011 and scoring 11 goals in 35 Ligue 1 appearances and 5 in the Coupe de France for a total of 16 goals that season, including crucial strikes in the Coupe de France, such as the opener against Monaco in the semi-final and the second-half winner in the final against Rennes, securing the club's second French Cup title.[59][60] Among record holders, Thibault Giresse stands as Guingamp's all-time leading scorer with 71 goals in 297 appearances across his tenure from 2002 to 2013, embodying loyalty and consistent performance in both Ligue 1 and Ligue 2.[61] Stéphane Carnot, another long-serving figure and academy product, ranks second with 58 goals in 318 matches from 1992 to 2006, known for his versatility as an attacking midfielder.[61] For appearances, Claude Michel holds the record with 408 games between 1976 and 1992, a defensive stalwart who contributed to the club's rise through the divisions.[62] In the 1990s, Guingamp integrated international talent to bolster its promotion pushes, notably Polish World Cup veteran Andrzej Szarmach, who arrived in 1986 and netted 34 goals in 66 appearances, bringing European experience to the squad during its Division 2 and early Ligue 1 campaigns.[44] Brazilian forward Luizinho also featured prominently in the early 1980s (1982–1984), adding flair and goals as the club established itself in the top flight.[44] Guingamp's youth academy has produced enduring contributors like Stéphane Carnot, who debuted in the early 1990s and went on to become a club legend with his scoring record and over 300 appearances, highlighting the system's role in nurturing local talent for first-team integration.[63]Management and coaching history
The management and coaching history of En Avant Guingamp reflects the club's journey from regional amateur status to professional success, marked by several influential figures who oversaw key promotions and trophies.[64] Early stability was provided by coaches like René Cédolin (1978–1981), who laid foundations for professionalism, but it was Raymond Kéruzoré (1981–1986) who catalyzed the club's ascent, achieving promotion to Division 2 in 1984 with a win percentage of approximately 45% across his tenure, emphasizing disciplined defensive play during a period of infrastructural growth.[14] In the 1990s, Francis Smerecki (1993–1999) became a pivotal figure, guiding Guingamp to their first Ligue 1 promotion in 1995 and reaching the 1997 Coupe de France final, with an overall win rate of 42% that solidified the club's competitive identity through youth development and tactical adaptability. [65] Later, Victor Zvunka (2007–2010) delivered the historic 2009 Coupe de France victory—the first for a non-Ligue 1 side in 22 years—achieved with a 38% win rate, relying on counter-attacking strategies that maximized limited resources. Jocelyn Gourvennec's two stints (2010–2016 and 2018–2019) represented a golden era, including the 2013 Ligue 2 title for promotion to Ligue 1 and the 2014 Coupe de France win, with a combined win percentage of 36% across 215 matches, characterized by high-pressing and youth integration that elevated Guingamp to European competition.[66] [67] Antoine Kombouaré (2016–2018) followed with mid-table Ligue 1 stability, posting a 29% win rate while maintaining defensive solidity. Post-2019 turbulence saw interim roles by Patrice Lair (2019), Sylvain Didot (2019–2020), and Mécha Baždarević (2020–2021), before Frédéric Bompard briefly stabilized as interim coach in 2021 with a short tenure focused on squad rebuilding.[64] Stéphane Dumont (2021–2024) oversaw three Ligue 2 seasons, achieving a 35% win rate and a sixth-place finish in 2022–23, prioritizing possession-based play. In 2024, Sylvain Ripoll was appointed, introducing a tactical shift to a 4-3-3 formation emphasizing width and pressing; as of November 2025, his 2024–25 win rate stands at approximately 36% (5 wins in 14 Ligue 2 matches), positioning the team mid-table.[68] [69] [70]| Coach Name | Tenure | Key Seasons/Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Armand Deruaz | 1947–1953 | Post-war consolidation |
| Milo Garcia | 1953–1955 | Amateur league stability |
| Marcel Schmitt | 1955 | Transitional role |
| Jean Prouff | 1955–1956 | Early professional setup |
| Paul Wartel | 1956–1957 | Regional competition |
| Jean Rolland | 1957–1958 | Youth focus |
| Vincent Llido | 1958–1960 | Division d'Honneur maintenance |
| Marcel Schmitt | 1960–1961 | Return for stability |
| Michel Bourse | 1961–1966 | Long-term development |
| Daniel Potiron | 1966–1968 | Amateur era close |
| Roger Kerzerho | 1968–1972 | Pre-professional buildup |
| Sylvestre Salvi | 1972–1975 | Infrastructure improvements |
| Daniel Druda | 1975–1977 | Promotion pushes |
| Claude Pérard | 1977–1978 | Entry to Division 3 |
| René Cédolin | 1978–1981 | Professionalization foundations |
| Raymond Kéruzoré | 1981–1986 | Promotion to Division 2 (1984) |
| Jean-Noël Huck | 1986–1987 | Mid-table Division 2 |
| Yvan Le Quéré | 1987–1988 | Defensive consolidation |
| Jean-Paul Rabier | 1988–1989 | Relegation avoidance |
| Erick Mombaerts | 1989–1990 | Youth integration |
| Alain de Martigny | 1990–1993 | Steady Division 2 campaigns |
| Yvon Schmitt | 1993 | Interim transition |
| Francis Smerecki | 1993–1999 | Ligue 1 promotion (1995); 1997 Coupe final |
| Guy Lacombe | 1999–2002 | Ligue 1 mid-table; 2000 promotion back |
| Bertrand Marchand | 2002–2004 | European qualification push |
| Yvon Pouliquen | 2004–2005 | Relegation battle |
| Alain Ravera | 2005–2006 | Division 2 recovery |
| Patrick Remy | 2006–2007 | Promotion contention |
| Victor Zvunka | 2007–2010 | Coupe de France win (2009) |
| Jocelyn Gourvennec | 2010–2016 | Ligue 2 title (2013); Coupe win (2014) |
| Antoine Kombouaré | 2016–2018 | Ligue 1 survival |
| Jocelyn Gourvennec | 2018–2019 | Relegation avoidance efforts |
| Patrice Lair | 2019 | Interim stabilization |
| Sylvain Didot | 2019–2020 | Ligue 2 mid-table |
| Mécha Baždarević | 2020–2021 | Pandemic-era management |
| Frédéric Bompard | 2021 | Squad rebuilding interim |
| Stéphane Dumont | 2021–2024 | Consistent Ligue 2 top-half finishes |
| Sylvain Ripoll | 2024–present | 4-3-3 tactical evolution; mid-table 2024–25 |
Records and competitions
Domestic league performances
En Avant Guingamp has participated in Ligue 1, the top tier of French football, for 13 seasons between 1995 and 2019, achieving their highest finish of 7th place in the 2002–03 season. Across these campaigns, the club recorded an overall record of 150 wins, 122 draws, and 210 losses, accumulating 572 points while scoring 509 goals and conceding 653. This performance reflects a mid-to-lower table presence, marked by three relegations in 1997–98, 2003–04, and 2018–19, often involving tense survival battles, such as escaping demotion on the final matchday in 2001–02 and 2015–16.[71] The following table summarizes Guingamp's Ligue 1 seasons, including positions, points, and goal tallies (noting varying matches: 38 in most seasons, 34 in 1997–98, 2000–01, 2001–02):| Season | Position | Points | Goals For | Goals Against | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995–96 | 10th | 53 | 34 | 33 | 38 |
| 1996–97 | 12th | 46 | 32 | 36 | 38 |
| 1997–98 | 16th | 35 | 30 | 42 | 34 |
| 2000–01 | 10th | 44 | 40 | 48 | 34 |
| 2001–02 | 16th | 35 | 34 | 57 | 34 |
| 2002–03 | 7th | 62 | 59 | 46 | 38 |
| 2003–04 | 18th | 38 | 36 | 58 | 38 |
| 2013–14 | 16th | 42 | 34 | 42 | 38 |
| 2014–15 | 10th | 49 | 41 | 55 | 38 |
| 2015–16 | 16th | 44 | 47 | 56 | 38 |
| 2016–17 | 10th | 50 | 46 | 53 | 38 |
| 2017–18 | 12th | 47 | 48 | 59 | 38 |
| 2018–19 | 20th | 27 | 28 | 68 | 38 |
European competitions
En Avant Guingamp has competed in the UEFA Europa League on three occasions (including predecessor UEFA Cup), qualifying through success in the UEFA Intertoto Cup and the Coupe de France, with no participation in the UEFA Champions League. The club's overall European record stands at 4 wins, 2 draws, and 6 losses from 12 matches, scoring 11 goals and conceding 21. Their most notable campaign came in 2014–15, when they reached the round of 32.[73] The club's European debut occurred in the 1996–97 UEFA Cup, earned as winners of the 1996 UEFA Intertoto Cup after defeating Kolkheti Poti 3–1 on aggregate in the final. Drawn against Internazionale in the first round, Guingamp lost the first leg 0–3 at home on 10 September 1996, with goals from Clarence Seedorf, Francesco Moriero, and Álvaro Recoba. The return leg on 24 September 1996 at San Siro ended 1–1, Stéphane Guivarc'h scoring for Guingamp, but they were eliminated 1–4 on aggregate.[74] Returning 13 years later in the 2009–10 UEFA Europa League as Coupe de France winners, Guingamp entered at the play-off round against Hamburger SV. The first leg on 20 August 2009 at Stade de Roudourou resulted in a 1–5 home defeat, with Guingamp's goal coming from Mustapha Yatabaré and Hamburger SV's from Paolo Guerrero, Mladen Petrić (twice), Marcus Berg, and Petrić again. The second leg on 27 August 2009 at Volksparkstadion finished 1–3, Eduardo Costa scoring for Guingamp amid goals from Petrić, Jonathan Pitroip and Vincent Kompany, leading to an 2–8 aggregate elimination.[75][76] Guingamp's third and deepest run came in the 2014–15 UEFA Europa League, again as Coupe de France winners, granting direct entry to the group stage. Placed in Group K alongside Fiorentina, PAOK, and Dinamo Minsk, they secured second place with 10 points from 3 wins and 1 draw. Key results included home victories over PAOK (2–0 on 2 October 2014, goals by Claudio Beauvue and Mustapha Yatabaré) and Dinamo Minsk (2–0 on 6 November 2014, both by Beauvue), a 2–1 away win at PAOK (11 December 2014, Beauvue and Jonathan Martins Pereira), and a 0–0 draw at Dinamo Minsk (23 October 2014). Losses were a 0–3 defeat at Fiorentina (18 September 2014) and 1–2 home reverse to Fiorentina (27 November 2014, goal by Yahiaou Kallabi).| Date | Opponent | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 Sep 2014 | Fiorentina | Away | 0–3 |
| 2 Oct 2014 | PAOK | Home | 2–0 |
| 23 Oct 2014 | Dinamo Minsk | Away | 0–0 |
| 6 Nov 2014 | Dinamo Minsk | Home | 2–0 |
| 27 Nov 2014 | Fiorentina | Home | 1–2 |
| 11 Dec 2014 | PAOK | Away | 2–1 |
Domestic Honours
En Avant Guingamp has achieved notable success in French domestic competitions, particularly in cup tournaments despite its relatively small hometown base. The club won the Coupe de France twice, in the 2008–09 season by defeating Stade Rennais F.C. 2–1 in the final, and in the 2013–14 season with a 2–0 victory over the same opponent at the Stade de France.[18][19] These triumphs marked the only times a second-division team has claimed the trophy in the modern era. Additionally, Guingamp reached the Coupe de France final as runners-up in 1996–97, losing 1–0 to OGC Nice.[6] In the Coupe de la Ligue, the club advanced to the final in 2018–19 but fell 3–0 to RC Strasbourg Alsace. Guingamp also qualified for the Trophée des Champions as Coupe de France winners on two occasions, finishing as runners-up in 2009 (0–2 loss to FC Girondins de Bordeaux) and 2014 (0–2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain).[6] Guingamp secured promotion from Ligue 2 as runners-up in the 2012–13 season, finishing second behind AS Monaco with 70 points from 38 matches. Earlier, the club won the 1996 UEFA Intertoto Cup, defeating K.F.C. Germinal Ekeren 2–1 on aggregate in the final, which qualified them for the UEFA Cup.[80] Prior to professionalization in 1976, Guingamp competed in regional Breton leagues but did not secure documented championship titles in the national regional structure.European Competitions
En Avant Guingamp has not won any major European trophies but has participated in UEFA competitions on three occasions, primarily through domestic cup success. The club's best performance came in the 2014–15 UEFA Europa League, where they reached the round of 32 after finishing second in their group; they were eliminated 3–4 on aggregate by Dynamo Kyiv. Other appearances include the 1996–97 UEFA Cup (first round) following their Intertoto Cup win. The club's overall European record stands at 4 wins, 2 draws, and 6 losses across 12 matches, with a peak UEFA club coefficient of 9.000 points, placing them 107th in the 2015 ranking.[6][81]Club Records
Guingamp holds several notable club records reflecting its underdog status and passionate support. The highest recorded attendance at Stade de Roudourou was 18,363, during a 2015–16 Ligue 1 match against Paris Saint-Germain on 9 April 2016, which ended in a 0–0 draw.[27] For cup finals, the 2013–14 Coupe de France victory drew 83,358 spectators at the Stade de France. In terms of scoring, Stéphane Guivarc'h is a standout from the 1990s, netting 20 goals in the 1994–95 Ligue 2 season to lead the club to promotion as champions of the division that year. Overall, Frantzdy Pierrot holds the all-time scoring record with 81 goals in 149 appearances between 2016 and 2019. Mustapha Yatabaré set a single-season mark with 23 goals in the 2012–13 Ligue 2 campaign, earning the league's top scorer award. In 2023–24 and 2024–25, Guingamp finished 3rd and 5th in Ligue 2 respectively, maintaining mid-table stability without promotion or relegation.| Category | Record | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highest Home Attendance | 18,363 | vs. Paris Saint-Germain, 9 April 2016 (Ligue 1) | [27] |
| All-Time Top Scorer | 81 goals | Frantzdy Pierrot (2016–2019) | |
| Single-Season Top Scorer | 23 goals | Mustapha Yatabaré (2012–13 Ligue 2) | |
| Biggest Home Win | 7–0 | vs. RC Lens, 10 May 2013 (Ligue 2) | [82] |
| Most Appearances | 301 | Claude Michel (1984–1997) |