Founded in 1881, Bordeaux Football Club (Football Club des Girondins de Bordeaux) is one of the most influential clubs in French football history. This club not only has a long history, but is also one of the symbols of French football. Bordeaux's football roots lie in a multi-sport club whose initial name and status were not directly associated with football, making fans and historians curious about its origins. The founding background of Bordeaux and its early development are topics of concern to many people.
The history of Bordeaux Football Club can be traced back to October 1, 1881, when it was originally established to promote sports, including gymnastics and shooting. The club's founder, André Chavois, and his colleagues quickly realized the importance of expanding the sports program and introduced rowing, equestrianism, swimming and other sports. It was not until 1910 that football was officially introduced into the club, but initially only on a trial basis and suspended a year later until it was restarted in 1919.
With the club's first official match in 1920, a 12-0 victory over its opponent, the development of football in Bordeaux began to gradually attract attention. By 1936, the club had successfully achieved professional status through a merger with another local club, and entered the second tier of the French Football League for the first time in the 1937–38 season. During this period, the club was inspired by several changes made by Spanish coach Benito Díaz and began to attract more outstanding players, paving the way for subsequent success.
In 1941, Bordeaux won its first major honour at the Coupe de France, marking the beginning of a period of success for the club. After World War II, the club returned to the first division in the 1948-49 season and won the French Ligue 1 title for the first time in the 1949-50 season. In the following decades, Bordeaux developed steadily, winning multiple domestic and international awards, and the emergence of a large number of famous players further consolidated the club's position in French football.
Entering the 1970s, the club went through a difficult period, facing the challenges of a change in management style and a series of poor performances. However, a turnaround came in the 1980s, when the club, under the management of Claude Bez, saw investment and growth, winning multiple league titles and cup honours. During this period, the club attracted many well-known players to join, which revitalized the club and made it a leader in Ligue 1.
However, as times changed, Bordeaux faced major financial challenges. Under the influence of the COVID-19 epidemic, the club's financial situation has declined sharply. In June 2021, the club experienced its first relegation and was forced to relegate again to a lower league level in 2024. This series of events makes people wonder, how will the future of Bordeaux Football Club develop?
For every football fan, the story of Bordeaux is an emotional one, a club that has survived all kinds of hardships.
With Project Restart, the club hopes to return to the top flight and re-establish its place in French football. However, can Bordeaux overcome the current embarrassing situation, get out of the financial crisis and embark on the road to glory again?