FC Metz - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Founded in 1919: FC Metz was founded in 1919 in the city of Metz, located in northeastern France.
- 2. Stadium: The club plays its home matches at the Stade Saint-Symphorien, which has a capacity of 25,636 spectators.
- 3. Nickname: FC Metz is commonly known as Les Grenats, which translates to "The Maroons" in English, a reference to the club's traditional colors.
- 4. Honors: The club has won the Ligue 1 title three times in its history, in 1984, 1998, and 2022. They have also won the Coupe de France twice, in 1984 and 1988.
- 5. Relegations and promotions: FC Metz has a history of fluctuating between Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, having been promoted and relegated multiple times over the years.
- 6. Rivalries: The club's main rivals are fellow Lorraine-based clubs AS Nancy and FC Sochaux-Montbéliard, with matches between these teams known as the Lorraine Derby and the Derby de l'Est, respectively.
- 7. Famous players: FC Metz has been home to several notable players over the years, including Robert Pires, Miralem Pjanic, and Vincent Candela.
- 8. Fan base: The club has a loyal fan base known for their passionate support, with fans known for their colorful displays and chants during matches.
- 9. Financial struggles: FC Metz has faced financial difficulties in recent years, leading to changes in ownership and management in an effort to stabilize the club's finances.
- 10. Recent success: The club achieved promotion back to Ligue 1 in 2021 after winning the Ligue 2 title, and followed up with a surprise Ligue 1 title win in the 2021-2022 season, marking their third top-flight championship in history.