Gervais Martel Confident Lens Will Win First Coupe de France

Former RC Lens president Gervais Martel will be at the Stade de France on Friday, hoping to witness his club lift its first Coupe de France. The match offers the first realistic chance for Lens to add the trophy to its cabinet. Martel served as the iconic president of RC Lens from 1988 until 2017. During his tenure the club secured the French league title in 1998 and the Coupe de la Ligue in 1999. He also guided Lens to the Champions League, but the Coupe de France remained elusive. Martel has repeatedly expressed his personal dream of finally winning the competition. The upcoming final sees Pierre Sage's Lens side take the field at the Stade de France. The atmosphere is expected to be charged as supporters hope for a historic triumph. To date RC Lens has never captured the Coupe de France, making a victory especially significant. A win would mark the first time the club adds the trophy to its honours list. If Lens succeed, Martel’s long‑standing ambition will finally be realised, cementing his legacy. The outcome will shape the narrative of the club’s modern era.