A Throwback to the Retro Rennes Jersey A walk down memory lane for Stade Rennais Football Club, or more commonly known as Rennes, is incomplete without paying homage to the iconic retro Rennes jersey. This nostalgic piece of football history reminds us of the glory days when formidable teams graced the pitch donning these classic […]
A walk down memory lane for Stade Rennais Football Club, or more commonly known as Rennes, is incomplete without paying homage to the iconic retro Rennes jersey. This nostalgic piece of football history reminds us of the glory days when formidable teams graced the pitch donning these classic colours. Let’s immerse ourselves in the rich history that surrounds the club, the story behind its kit colours, its revered stadium, and the legends that once wore the emblematic shirt.
Rennes was formed on March 10, 1901, by a group of former students from Rennes, under the name Stade Rennais Université Club (SRUC). Football was quickly gaining popularity in France at the time, and the formation of SRUC provided a breeding ground for young talent. The club participated in their first official competition, the inaugural French Championship, organised by the Union des Sociétés Françaises de Sports Athlétiques (USFSA) in 1909.
However, it was not until 1912 that SRUC made a significant impact in the world of football. Under the tutelage of French coach and former international footballer François Hugues, Rennes reached the final of the USFSA Championship only to lose against Stade Helvétique de Marseille. By the late 1920s, the SRUC had simplified their name to Stade Rennais Football Club – a name that carries traditions and passion to this day.
The retro Rennes jersey embodies the club’s identity, featuring their traditional colours, red and black. These colours represent the Brittany region’s flag, known as “Gwenn-ha-Du”. The black and red stripes are not only a visual homage to their regional roots but also a symbol of the unity and strength football brings to the Rennes community. The team’s colours have barely changed throughout the years, consistently adorning the classic vertical stripe design on their home kit. The timeless elegance and simplicity of the retro Rennes jersey are what make it stand out as a symbol of the club’s historical journey, and a precious keepsake for its most passionate fans.
Originally named Stade Municipal de la Route de Lorient, Roazhon Park – the home of Rennes – has witnessed the club’s evolution since its inauguration on September 15, 1912. The stadium, initially built with a humble wooden grandstand, has undergone significant renovations to become one of France’s premier football arenas. Today, Roazhon Park has a capacity of 29,778 and has become a fortress that embodies Rennes’ history and ambition.
The stadium has not only hosted legendary matches of the club but has also been a stage for international fixtures, including the 1960 European Championships and the 1972 Rugby Six Nations Championship. The chants and emotions echoing within the walls of Roazhon Park bear testimony to the club’s philosophy and the fierce loyalty of the Rennes faithful.
A rich history entails legendary players who have proudly worn the retro Rennes jersey. Honoring their contributions to the club, we highlight some of the most iconic players to have called Rennes their home.
– Jean Prouff: One of Rennes’ early legends, Prouff joined the club in 1936 and played for ten seasons before becoming the club’s coach for more than a decade. Prouff left an indelible mark in the club’s history, leading them to victory in the Coupe de France in 1965 and 1971.
– Raymond Kopa: Before being a star at Real Madrid and crowned the best player in Europe in 1958, Kopa began his journey at Rennes in 1949. His talent and determination laid the foundation for a phenomenal football career that earned him the moniker “Napoleon of football.”
– François Denis: A local hero who played for Rennes throughout his entire career from 1951 to 1966, Denis was an embodiment of loyalty and commitment to the club. He featured in more than 400 games and was a key figure in Rennes’ first Coupe de France victory in 1965.
– Paul Le Guen: The versatile Le Guen joined Rennes in 1983 and played for the club for ten years, showing impressive defensive skills and leadership on the pitch. Later, he returned to the club as a manager and successfully led Rennes to a place in the UEFA Cup in 2005.
– Sylvain Wiltord: Rennes’ prodigious striker took Europe by storm, scoring 44 goals in 108 appearances for the club between 1996 and 1999. Following his time at Rennes, Wiltord became a star at Arsenal and won two Premier League titles and two FA Cups.
The retro Rennes jersey is much more than a nostalgic piece of club memorabilia. The kit represents the unique history of a fiercely determined club, anchored in their region’s identity and dedicated to their loyal fans. From humble beginnings to establishing itself as a competitive force in French football, the Stade Rennais Football Club, and the iconic colours they wear, continue to live in the hearts and minds of all who have partaken in their storied journey.
