The original crest of Union Sportive Valenciennes-Anzin (USVA), used from 1913 to 1976, reflected the club's close ties to the cities of Valenciennes and Anzin. The badge featured a circular design with the words "Union Sportive Valenciennes-Anzin" surrounding the golden lion of Hainaut, displayed on a background of red and blue vertical stripes. The lion, taken from the historic coat of arms of the County of Hainaut, symbolised the region's heritage and became one of the club's enduring emblems.
In 1976, USVA adopted a more heraldic shield. The new badge displayed the initials USVA across the top above two white swans, representing the city of Valenciennes. Between the swans appeared the coat of arms of Valenciennes, again featuring the Lion of Hainaut. This elegant crest strengthened the club's civic identity and remained in use throughout much of the club's successful late-1970s and 1980s period.
A modern triangular crest replaced it in 1989. The badge featured the initials VA at the top with the Lion of Hainaut placed prominently in the centre. The simplified design used blue, black, and grey tones and reflected the graphic style popular at the end of the 1980s while retaining the club's historic lion.
In 1992, Valenciennes introduced another triangular badge. This version adopted the club's traditional red and white colours, with a large football at the centre beneath the VA initials. The design was cleaner and more football-focused, marking a departure from the heraldic emphasis of previous crests.
Following financial difficulties and the club's restructuring in 1996, Valenciennes adopted a completely new identity under the name Association Valenciennes Football Club (AFC). The new logo featured a stylised swan flying above the initials AFC, with a football positioned in the upper right corner. The swan became the club's principal symbol, representing both the city and the club's rebirth after bankruptcy.
A simplified version appeared in 2006, retaining the AFC lettering, football, and swan motif within a bold black circular border. The redesign modernised the previous logo while maintaining continuity during the club's return to professional football.
In 2008, following the official restoration of the Valenciennes FC name, the club unveiled its current crest. The badge features a modern red shield with the initials VAFC displayed prominently across the centre. Above the lettering, a white swan stretches across the top of the shield, symbolising the city of Valenciennes and linking the modern identity to earlier club crests. The minimalist design reflects the club's modern era while preserving one of its most recognisable historic symbols. It remains the official emblem of Valenciennes FC today.
Valenciennes FC Club History
Founded in 1913 as Union Sportive de Valenciennes-Anzin (USVA), Valenciennes Football Club is one of the historic football clubs of northern France. Based in the city of Valenciennes, near the Belgian border, the club developed alongside the region's coal mining and steel industries, becoming a symbol of the working-class communities of the Hainaut region. The club's traditional red and white colours and the Lion of Hainaut have long represented its regional identity.
Valenciennes became a professional club in the 1930s and established itself as a regular competitor in the top two divisions of French football. During the 1960s and 1970s, the club enjoyed one of the strongest periods in its history, regularly competing in Division 1 and earning a reputation for producing talented players. Among the greatest footballers to wear the club's colours were Dominique Dropsy, Didier Six, and Jean-Pierre Destrumelle.
The club reached the Coupe de France Final twice, in 1951 and 1970, finishing runners-up on both occasions. Although Valenciennes narrowly missed out on lifting the trophy, these appearances remain among the club's greatest domestic achievements.
One of the darkest chapters in French football occurred in 1993 during the infamous VA–OM affair. Before a league match against Olympique de Marseille, several Valenciennes players were approached with bribes intended to influence the result. The scandal led to severe punishments for Marseille, including the loss of the 1992–93 French league title, while Valenciennes suffered serious financial and sporting consequences. The club was eventually relegated and entered a period of decline.
Financial difficulties culminated in 1996, when the club was declared bankrupt and reformed as Association Valenciennes Football Club (AFC). Forced to restart in the amateur divisions, Valenciennes embarked on a long rebuilding process supported by its loyal supporters and local community.
The revival gathered momentum in the early 2000s. Under coach Antoine Kombouaré, Valenciennes won the 2005–06 Ligue 2 title, earning promotion back to Ligue 1 after more than a decade away from the top flight. The club subsequently spent eight consecutive seasons in Ligue 1 between 2006 and 2014, establishing itself once again among France's leading clubs.
Following relegation in 2014, Valenciennes became a consistent competitor in Ligue 2, focusing on youth development and financial stability. The club continued to produce talented players while remaining one of the most respected institutions in northern French football despite operating with a modest budget.
Valenciennes FC's principal rivals are RC Lens in the Derby du Nord, one of northern France's traditional rivalries. Matches against Lille OSC and USL Dunkerque also carry regional importance.
