Overview of Nîmes Olympique Football Team
Nîmes Olympique Football is a professional football team based in Nîmes, France. The team, also known as Les Crocos, plays in Ligue 1, the top division in French football. Nîmes Olympique was founded in 1937 and has a rich history in French football.
History of the Team
Nîmes Olympique Football Club was founded in 1937, but its history dates back to the early 1900s when local clubs merged in order to form a competitive team. The club reached the top division in 1938, and throughout the 60s, it was a dominant force in French football.
During the 80s and 90s, Nîmes Olympique struggled, bouncing between the second and third divisions. In 2018, the club was promoted to Ligue 1, where it continues to compete.
Notable Players
Over the years, Nîmes Olympique has produced several notable players. The team’s all-time leading scorer is Thibaut Pinot, who scored 82 goals for the team between 1988 and 1994. Other notable players include Joël Baqué, who played for the team for 12 seasons, and Laurent Blanc, who played for the team before going on to play for several top European clubs and the French national team.
Coaches
Nîmes Olympique has had several coaches over the years. One of the most successful coaches was José Pasqualetti, who led the team to the French Cup final in 1996. Bernard Blaquart, who was appointed as the coach in 2015, has been instrumental in the team’s recent success, taking the team from the second division to Ligue 1 in just three years.
Most Successful Season
The most successful season for Nîmes Olympique was in 1957-58, when the team finished third in the French league and reached the semi-finals of the European Cup. The team also won the French Cup in 1953 and reached the final in 1956.
Owner
Nîmes Olympique is owned by the American businessman, Rani Assaf. Assaf bought the team in 2015 and has since invested heavily in the team’s infrastructure and facilities. Under his ownership, the team has seen significant improvement on and off the pitch.
Stadium
The team plays its home matches at the Stade des Costières, which has a capacity of 18,482 spectators. The stadium was built in 1989 and has undergone several renovations over the years.
In conclusion, Nîmes Olympique is a professional football team with a rich history in French football. Over the years, the team has produced several notable players and has seen success both domestically and in Europe. With the support of its dedicated owner and passionate fans, Nîmes Olympique continues to compete at the highest level of French football.
References:
– Nîmes Olympique Official Website: https://www.nimes-olympique.com/
– Ligue 1 Official Website: https://www.ligue1.com/
– ESPN: https://www.espn.com/soccer/team/_/id/167/nimes-olympique
– BBC Sport: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/teams/nimes-olympique