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RC Lens

RC Lens is a French professional football club based in Lens, Pas-de-Calais.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

RC Lens is a French professional football club based in Lens, Pas-de-Calais. Commonly called RC Lens or Lens, the club is known as "Les Sang et Or" for its red-and-gold colours and plays in Ligue 1, the top tier of French football.

History

RC Lens was founded in 1906 and developed into one of the notable football clubs in northern France. Its greatest domestic achievement is winning the French championship in 1998.

Stadium

The club plays at Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens. The venue is one of the best-known football stadiums in France and has a capacity listed in sources at about 38,000 to 41,000, depending on the source and configuration.

Colours and identity

RC Lens is identified by its red and gold colours, which inspired the nickname "Les Sang et Or". The club is strongly associated with local identity in the Lens mining region.

Competition

RC Lens competes in Ligue 1, the top division of French football. It has also reached the Coupe de France final in the past, according to the provided sources.

Key facts

  • The club was founded in 1906 in Lens, in northern France.
  • Its nickname, "Les Sang et Or," refers to the club’s traditional red and gold colours.
  • RC Lens won its first and only French top-flight title in 1998.
  • The club plays home matches at Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
  • RC Lens has been a Ligue 1 club in recent seasons.
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Canadian context

RC Lens has indirect relevance for Canadian readers through international football coverage, player transfers, and possible French-language interest among Canadian soccer fans.

Frequently asked questions

What is RC Lens?
RC Lens is a French professional football club based in Lens, Pas-de-Calais, competing in Ligue 1.
When was RC Lens founded?
The club was founded in 1906.
What is RC Lens’s nickname?
Its nickname is "Les Sang et Or," meaning "The Blood and Gold."
Where does RC Lens play home matches?
RC Lens plays at Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens, France.
Has RC Lens won Ligue 1?
Yes. RC Lens won the French top-flight title in 1998.
What is RC Lens’s official website?
The official website listed in the sources is rclens.fr.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RC_Lens
    Supports: Club name, location, nickname, Ligue 1 status, and official website.
  2. Wikipedia — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/RC_Lens
    Supports: Founded in 1906, president, stadium, colours, and 1998 championship.
  3. Wikipedia — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racing_Club_de_Lens
    Supports: Founded in 1906, Ligue 1 participation, 1998 title, and home stadium.
  4. Fandom — https://football.fandom.com/wiki/RC_Lens
    Supports: Nickname, rivals, and general club identity.