Lens on FM26 - The Sang et Or People
December 14, 2025: RC Lens OFFICIALLY buys Stade Bollaert-Delelis. After 90 years of history, the club becomes owner of ITS home. A 38,223-seat venue where the atmosphere is considered the BEST in France. Welcome to the mining basin.
Why choose Lens?
Because RC Lens is THE MOST POPULAR CLUB IN FRANCE relative to its size. French champions in 1998, years of struggle, promotion back to Ligue 1 in 2020, a historic 2nd place finish in 2023 — and now OWNERS OF THEIR OWN STADIUM since December 14th, 2025. Bollaert-Delelis (38,223 seats), bought back by the club itself, is an IMMENSE symbol of the Lens-Artois reconquest. The hottest stadium in France, full stop. The Sang et Or end behind the goal can change the course of a game on its own. In FM26, Lens is the AUTHENTIC project: no Gulf billionaires, no American investment funds, a club that belongs to ITS COMMUNITY. The challenge: maintain the intensity, find European consistency, and turn Bollaert into an IMPREGNABLE FORTRESS.
The sang et or history
Founded in 1906 as Racing Club Lensois, the club represents an entire region. French champions 1998, Coupe de France finalists 1975 (2-0 loss to Saint-Étienne), Lens has seen highs and lows. The return to Ligue 1 after years of struggle united an ENTIRE people behind their team.
Tactics: the 3-4-3 and Sang et Or energy
Lens popularised the 3-4-3 in France — or 3-5-2 depending on rotations — with wing-backs capable of covering the entire flank alone. The essence of Lens football: MAXIMUM GROUND COVERAGE, high press, and physical energy that lasts 90 minutes. The wing-backs are the KEY to the system: they need stamina, pace and positional intelligence. In FM26, build your attacking trio with a striker strong in the air or in behind, and two hard-working wingers. The midfield must be SOLID: two players capable of winning the ball and distributing quickly. Defensively, the three-man central block requires powerful and quick profiles.
Objectives: return to European elite
The Lille derby (March 8, 2026 in Coupe de France) is the match of the year. But beyond that, Lens aims for Europe. Getting back to Champions League like in 2002 is the dream of an entire region.
Lens isn't a club, it's a PEOPLE. Working-class pride, passion passed down through generations. Want to manage with YOUR HEART? It happens at Bollaert. ALLEZ LES SANG ET OR!