Meet Pierre Gasly’s fashion-forward football club FC Versailles 78
FC Versailles 78 caught a lot of attention this summer after revealing their new home and away football shirts for the upcoming season. Some football enthusiasts will say they are the most beautiful kits released this season. But who is Football Club de Versailles 78 and can we expect them to reach France’s top flight soon?
FC Versailles announced themselves to the football world with a big statement this summer. Their new football kits are not just shirts, they are a showcase of heritage and ambition. Everybody talks about FC Versailles and their collaboration with Kappa has made them one of the most fashionable football clubs in the world.
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Pierre Gasly
Although not many people might have heard from FC Versailles before recent years, the club was officially founded in 1989 but has origins dating back to 1907. In 2023, the club was taken over by Alexandre Mulliez, grandson of the founder of Auchan multinational retail group, and his business partner Fabien Lazare. In 2024, Formula 1 driver Pierre Gasly also invested in the club and became a shareholder. ‘’I’m delighted to be joining FC Versailles because I’ve always wanted to get involved in professional football. This is the start of a wonderful story.’’
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Thierry Henry
Throughout its history, the club never played higher than France’s third football division, however, FC Versailles 78 became known for producing talent. During the 1992-1993 season, Thierry Henry and Jérome Rothen both played for the under-15s. A few years later in 1999, it was Hatem Ben Arfa who spent a season at Versailles at the age of 12.
The first team, however, was struggling at the time on the pitch and multiple relegations also led to financial troubles. In 2007, FC Versailles was even relegated to the 8th division. Fortunately, Thierry Henry’s transfer from Arsenal to FC Barcelona saved the club and since their return to the 7th division in 2009, the club has slowly climbed their way up the ranks.
Youth development
Currently, FC Versailles, who is a partner club of AS Monaco, plays in the third division and times have never been more exciting in one of France’s most-visited cities. Under the new ownership, FC Versailles aims to stick to its roots and is resolutely focused on the learning and development of young players and employees. The club aims to make the original benefits of football (educational, social, physical and cultural) accessible to younger generations.
Last season’s first team, however, also had older and more experienced players who have played at the highest level, including Dutch international Jeremain Lens, former AS Saint-Éttiene left-back Pierre-Yves Polomat, and SM Caen midfielder Jordan Leborgne. This season, all of these players left, and they are now aiming to secure promotion with a younger squad that has an average age of 24,3 years old.
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