Lens enters the legend with its first victory in the Coupe de France

Lens made history by winning their first-ever Coupe de France at the Stade de France, with a score of 3-1. Tens of thousands of supporters flooded Lens and Paris for an exceptional celebration, filled with emotions, popular communion, and an unforgettable night of festivity for the team.

A city ablaze to welcome their heroes. Carried by a strong wind from the north, Lens players cut through a sea of red and gold. Perched on the roof of their bus, they proudly displayed a trophy the club had been waiting for 120 years. One supporter shared, “It’s magnificent, it’s a great story, it’s something that unites the entire people,” a sentiment echoed by another supporter, “It’s beautiful, we’re enjoying it, it’s like family, the fans, we’ve never seen anything like it, it’s beautiful! Go Lens!”

Lens has only 32,000 residents, but on May 23, many more came to celebrate this title with the players. Adrien Thomasson, the captain of RC Lens, struggled to hide his emotions, saying, “Thanks to you, last night we felt at home. What we are experiencing with everyone is exceptional. So thank you to all.”

The footballers and fans then sang “Les Corons” in unison, marking the culmination of a day of celebration, rich in emotion. A triumph that the people of Lens brought home to Saint-Denis, in the city of Kings. Abdallah Sima scored the goal of liberation. The final score was 3-1, as Lens won their first-ever Coupe de France.

The celebrations began at the Stade de France with 50,000 Lens supporters, and simultaneously at the Bollaert stadium with another 40,000 fans who shouted with joy, sometimes moved to tears. “My grandfather who was a coal miner, who would have wanted to see this and unfortunately isn’t here, but I know he’s watching us and he would be happy to see us winning the Coupe de France today,” said a club fan.

At 4 a.m., the most daring fans were rewarded with a player conga line holding the trophy. Some fans were speechless, while others could finally fall asleep, with dreams filling their heads.