A Look Back at the Glorious History of Retro Reims Jersey As one of the most successful clubs in French football history, Stade de Reims undoubtedly boasts a rich and vibrant heritage. Over the years, the team’s jerseys, adorned by famed players such as Raymond Kopa, Roger Piantoni and Michel Hidalgo, have become revered among […]
As one of the most successful clubs in French football history, Stade de Reims undoubtedly boasts a rich and vibrant heritage. Over the years, the team’s jerseys, adorned by famed players such as Raymond Kopa, Roger Piantoni and Michel Hidalgo, have become revered among football enthusiasts as a symbol of triumph and excellence. These retro Reims jerseys not only bring nostalgic memories to the club’s diehard fans, but also serve as an inspiration for aspiring footballers looking to carve their names in the annals of French football. In reverence to this iconic institution, this piece takes an in-depth look at Stade de Reims’ illustrious past, its kit colours, the Auguste Delaune Stadium, and legendary players who have donned the Reims jersey.
Stade de Reims was founded in 1931 in the Champagne-Ardenne region of northeastern France. Since then, the club has been the cornerstone of French club football, reaching the heights of European competition and representing the nation on countless occasions.
With six Ligue 1 titles, two Coupe de France championships, and a plethora of legendary players to its name, Stade de Reims is a cornerstone of French football history. Similarly, its retro jerseys have come to symbolize a time of prosperity and success for a football club that once dominated both France and Europe’s footballing landscape.
Reims’ golden era began in the early 1950s as they became a force to reckon with in French football. The team achieved its first Ligue 1 title in 1949 before embarking on a run of four consecutive championships from 1952 to 1956, a testament to the dominance that Reims displayed during this period. The team also scaled dizzy heights on the European stage, reaching the final of the European Cup twice in 1956 and 1959, only to be thwarted by Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid on both occasions.
The retro Reims jersey is synonymous with pride and devotion to the club’s storied history. As Reims rose to prominence in the post-World War II era, the club’s jersey evolved as well, having three classic designs throughout its history. The retro Reims jersey is primarily scarlet red in colour, reflecting the passion and ardour that has fuelled the team over the decades. Traditionally, the away jersey is predominantly white with red detailing.
The first classic red Reims jersey, featuring a broad, horizontal white stripe across the chest, was worn during the team’s golden era of the 1950s. This kit is primarily associated with the side marshalled by the great Raymond Kopa, the first French player to be crowned European Footballer of the Year.
The second design is a retro Reims jersey that features a red body with V-shaped white stripes running down the shoulders. This kit was notably sported by the side that came heartbreakingly close to European glory, falling to Real Madrid in the 1959 European Cup final.
The third and final retro Reims kit features a solid red shirt with a white collar, reminiscent of the simple yet elegant designs of pre-modern football jerseys. This version continues to inspire nostalgia amongst Reims fans, a throwback to the days of Michel Hidalgo, who later managed the French national team to EURO 1984 success.
The Auguste Delaune Stadium holds a special place in the hearts of Reims fans, players, and staff alike. Named after a French Resistance hero, this stadium has been the home of Stade de Reims since its opening in 1935. With a capacity of just over 21,000, Auguste Delaune Stadium may be modest in size, but it certainly basks in its rich history and the accolades that have taken place on its hallowed turf.
As the breeding ground for many of the club’s legendary players, the Auguste Delaune Stadium has witnessed both domestic and European successes, fostering a strong identity for the club and the fans. For the Reims faithful, this revered ground is more than just a sporting arena; it is a temple of adoration and a testament to the club’s existence.
No discussion on Stade de Reims would be complete without paying homage to the iconic figures who donned the retro Reims jersey and left an indelible mark on French football history. To this end, the three names are most commonly associated with the club’s rich history:
– Raymond Kopa (1951-1956 and 1959-1967): Undoubtedly the club’s most celebrated player, Kopa guided Reims to four Ligue 1 titles and two European Cup finals. Known for his finesse on the ball, Kopa was a key figure in bringing the first French league title to Reims in 1949.
– Roger Piantoni (1960-1964): Recruited from Nancy in 1960, Piantoni’s extraordinary skills as a goalscorer played a pivotal role in securing Reims’ fifth Ligue 1 title in just his first season with the club.
– Michel Hidalgo (1962-1966): Although Hidalgo’s tenure as a player at Reims was brief, his reputation as a gifted midfielder, as well as his later managerial role leading France to EURO 1984 victory, firmly cemented his place in the hearts and minds of Reims supporters.
In conclusion, the retro Reims jersey is a testament to the glorious history of Stade de Reims, an embodiment of nostalgia, honour, and pride. The club, its colours, the Auguste Delaune Stadium, and the legendary players who graced the field wearing the scarlet red as they made history, continue to inspire generations of footballers and fans alike.
