Rodez, one of the smallest budget clubs in the second division, is having the best season in its history. They are becoming more credible for the end-of-season playoffs.
On Saturday in Reims, Rodez played for the first time in their third kit, a gold coat symbolizing a prestigious success (1-2), reflecting their outstanding season, simply the best in RAF history at this stage. To the point where no one knows how far one of the three smallest budgets in the division (around 8M euros compared to 35M euros in Saint-Etienne) will go.
Their coach Didier Santini insists that his team should not “pretend to be someone else”, but Rodez will find it difficult to hide. Only 4 points away from the podium, they could once again enter the playoffs. A miracle that is no longer a miracle after seven seasons in the second division, yet still surprising with this incomparable team.
The victory in Champagne was another demonstration. Trailing 1-0 until the 87th minute, the Ruthenois team turned the game around in a crazy finish, showcasing their current streak: Rodez is now the only team in the five major European leagues and their second division to remain undefeated in 2026. They have been unbeaten for thirteen games since November 7th.
This run provides unwavering confidence to overcome even the most difficult situations. Montpellier experienced this in Aveyron on February 20th (1-0). Reims eventually learned the hard lesson.
Named the Ligue 2 leader in 2026, Rodez is the best team in the league since January, ahead of Saint-Etienne, with 22 points out of 30 possible (compared to 20 for Saint-Etienne and 16 for MHSC).
This honorary position is not trivial, resulting from a philosophy engraved by the atypical president Pierre-Olivier Murat and sports director Gregory Ursule: smart recruitment based on data, stable management for over a decade, a consistent 3-5-2 formation, and a forward-thinking mindset.
Nor do the Aveyronnais forget to defend. In Reims, they conceded their first goal in almost 400 minutes (397). This impressive defensive record is a testament to goalkeeper Quentin Braat’s form and the collective solidarity shown after a less successful first phase (12th at mid-season). A model that requires rebuilding automatisms every season.
At this rate, Rodez could return to the playoffs lived in 2024, with an epic victory against Paris FC (2-2, 3-2 on penalties) and a journey that ended at ASSE’s Chaudron (2-0). Two years later, the path seems more and more clear. Like it’s paved with gold.
