Metz

FC Metz is a French professional football club based in Metz, Grand Est. Founded in 1932, the club plays at the Stade Saint-Symphorien, a 25,636-seat stadium situated in the heart of Lorraine. Metz has a long and proud history in French football, having spent numerous seasons in the top flight despite never winning the Ligue 1 title. The club has won the Coupe de France twice, in 1984 and 1988, and the Coupe de la Ligue on two occasions as well. Metz is known for its strong youth academy and scouting network in the Greater Region, having developed players such as Robert Pires, Emmanuel Adebayor, and Sadio Mane early in their careers. The sale of Georgian striker Georges Mikautadze to Lyon for 18.5 million euros in July 2024 represented a club-record transfer fee. The club has experienced several promotions and relegations between Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 in recent years, demonstrating the resilience and fighting spirit that characterizes this proud Lorraine institution.