Saint-Étienne

Saint-Étienne is a name that resonates with tradition and football excellence in France. This club, lovingly known as “Les Verts” (The Greens), has made a significant impact on the Ligue 1 landscape. Its rich history is a testament to its enduring presence in French football.

The Ligue 1 Journey

Founded in 1933, Saint-Étienne immediately joined the professional ranks of French football and has been a consistent presence in Ligue 1. Known for their tenacity and tactical prowess, the Greens quickly made a name for themselves. This success peaked during the 1960s and 1970s, with a remarkable period of dominance that witnessed the club securing ten Ligue 1 titles, still the most by any French club as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021.

Legendary Players of Saint-Étienne

Every team has its heroes, and Saint-Étienne is no exception. Michel Platini, who later became one of the greatest footballers in the world, began his professional career with Saint-Étienne. In his five seasons with the club, Platini helped them to a league title and reached the European Cup final.

Other notable figures include Laurent Blanc, who later achieved greatness as a player and manager, and Hervé Revelli, the club’s all-time top goal scorer. These iconic players, among many others, have contributed to the aura and charm that surrounds Saint-Étienne.

Fierce Rivalries

The rivalries a team has often serve to define its identity and add an extra layer of excitement to the beautiful game. Saint-Étienne is involved in some fierce rivalries that add spice to Ligue 1. The most intense of these rivalries is the Derby Rhône-Alpes with Lyon. The proximity of the two cities and their historical, economic, and cultural differences add fuel to this fiery competition.

In addition, rivalries with Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain also form an essential part of Saint-Étienne’s season, with both fixtures attracting significant attention. Outside Ligue 1, there’s a special rivalry with English club Liverpool due to memorable European fixtures in the 1970s.

A Visit to Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium

The Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium, or “Le Chaudron” (The Cauldron), as it’s affectionately known, has been Saint-Étienne’s home since 1931. It’s famous for its fantastic atmosphere, primarily when hosting the Derby Rhône-Alpes. With a capacity of over 41,000, it is one of the most iconic stadiums in France.

When choosing where to sit, consider the Charles Paret stand for the best views, but if you’re after the most passionate fans, head to the Kop Nord or Kop Sud. For family-friendly seating, the Jean Snella stand is a great choice.

As for ticket prices, they can range depending on the stand and the match. Prices for regular matches generally range from 25 euros for a seat behind the goal to around 75 euros for a central spot in the main stand. For high-profile matches, such as the Derby Rhône-Alpes, prices may go higher.

Final Thoughts

A football match at Saint-Étienne is more than just a game; it’s a celebration of the city’s rich history, its dedicated fans, and its enduring love for the beautiful game. Whether you’re drawn to the historic rivalries, the legends who’ve graced the pitch, or the electrifying atmosphere at Geoffroy-Guichard, one thing’s for certain – a journey with Saint-Étienne is a journey into the heart of French football.

Filling in the Gaps

• The Birth of a Football Shirt Tradition: Saint-Étienne’s green kits have a rather unique origin story. The team originally wore white shirts, but in 1935, the only available kit for a match was a set of green shirts donated by a local grocery store. The color stuck, and green has become emblematic of Saint-Étienne.
• Their Unique Nickname: Saint-Étienne is often referred to as “Les Verts” (The Greens), a testament to their green kits. However, another nickname they earned is “Le Chaudron Vert” (The Green Cauldron), a direct reference to their stadium’s electrifying atmosphere.
• Home-Grown Talent: Saint-Étienne is renowned for its youth academy, which has produced a wealth of talent over the years. Some of the famous players to come through the academy include Aimé Jacquet, who went on to coach the French national team to World Cup glory in 1998, and Yohan Cabaye, a highly successful player domestically and internationally.
• Record Trophy Holders: Saint-Étienne holds the record for the most Coupe de France victories, winning the prestigious tournament ten times. Their dominance in the competition is part of the reason why they’re considered one of the most successful clubs in French football history.
• European Pedigree: Saint-Étienne was the first French team to reach a European Cup (now the UEFA Champions League) final. They achieved this feat in 1976, but unfortunately, lost to Bayern Munich. The run to the final included a memorable quarter-final victory over Dynamo Kyiv that’s still talked about by the fans.
• The Square Posts Match: One of the most famous matches in Saint-Étienne’s history came in the 1976 European Cup final. Saint-Étienne hit the crossbar twice, with many believing that if the posts had been round rather than square, they would have been crowned champions. This match is so ingrained in the club’s folklore that one of the original square posts is now displayed in the club’s museum.