Lens on FM26 - The Club That BOUGHT Its CATHEDRAL
2nd in Ligue 1 2025-26 (70 pts). QUALIFIED FOR THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE. And on December 14, 2025, the moment that made every Lens fan cry: RC Lens became the OWNER of Stade Bollaert-Delelis for the first time in its history since 1933. The World Cup of working-class passion — it starts now.
Why choose Lens?
Because RC Lens is THE CLUB THAT PROVED FOOTBALL DOESN'T NEED BILLIONAIRES. 2nd in Ligue 1 2025-26 (70 pts), QUALIFIED FOR THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE — a HISTORIC achievement for this club from the Pas-de-Calais. French champions in 1998, years of struggle in L2, promotion in 2020, a historic 2nd place in 2023, and now... the CHAMPIONS LEAGUE in 2026. And the cherry on top: on December 14, 2025, RC Lens became the OWNER of Stade Bollaert-Delelis (38,223 seats) for the first time since the stadium was built in 1933. A stadium built BY MINERS, for the mining community, now OWNED by the club of that very community. The emotion was INDESCRIBABLE. Bollaert is one of the most atmospheric stadiums in Europe — the passion of the sang-et-or supporters is unmatched. In FM26, you take this beloved club with the mission of writing THE GREATEST PAGE IN ITS HISTORY.
The identity: working-class football from the coal basin
Lens is the most popular club in France RELATIVE TO ITS SIZE. In a city of 30,000 with a 38,000-seat stadium, attendance rates are astronomical. Éric Sikora (590 appearances), Stefan Dembicki (225 goals), Tony Vairelles — legends rooted in the coal basin's history. And Saud Abdulhamid, the first Saudi player in Ligue 1 history, is a Lens man. The identity is irreplaceable.
Tactics: Sang et Or intensity
Lens plays INTENSE, collective football with high pressing and quick transitions. No stars, no egos — a united squad that outworks everyone else. In FM26, replicate this: aggressive pressing, defensive solidarity, rapid vertical transitions. Cohesion beats individualism at Bollaert.
Objectives: making the magic last
Survive and shine in the Champions League. Maintain a top 3 place in Ligue 1. Build infrastructure worthy of these new ambitions — the club now owns its stadium, the financial lever is there.
Lens is the HEART of French football. Not the glamour, not the billions — just an entire city behind its club. In FM26, this is the most AUTHENTIC adventure. Allez Lens!