Nickname(s):Les Rouge et Noir (The Red and Blacks)
Founded:1912
Stadium:Stade de Roudourou
Capacity:18,462
1995-1996
1996-2000
2000-2016
2016-2019
2019-Present
EA Guingamp Crest History
En Avant Guingamp adopted a distinctive new crest in 1995, featuring a stylised footballer dribbling a ball surrounded by the words "En Avant de Guingamp." The minimalist black-and-red figure reflected the club's name,"En Avant" meaning "Forward", and conveyed movement, energy and attacking football. Although only used for a single season, the badge marked the beginning of a new visual identity as Guingamp prepared for its first years in the French top flight.
In 1996, the club introduced a bold rectangular logo centred on the initials EAG, which quickly became synonymous with En Avant Guingamp. The red-and-black colour scheme reflected the club's traditional colours, while the full name "En Avant de Guingamp" appeared beneath the large initials. The modern, typographic design represented a complete departure from previous crests and established a clean corporate identity.
A refinement followed in 2000 with the addition of the Breton triskelion in the upper-left corner, strengthening the club's connection to Brittany. The words "Côtes d'Armor", referring to the French department in which Guingamp is located, were added beneath the club name, reinforcing the club's regional identity. While the familiar EAG initials remained the dominant feature, the redesigned badge celebrated both Guingamp and its Breton heritage.
In 2016, the crest underwent a subtle update. The overall rectangular layout was retained, but the typography was modernised and the wording "En Avant de Guingamp" became more prominent. The triskelion and Côtes d'Armor inscription remained in place, while the cleaner graphic style improved readability and consistency across digital platforms and club branding.
In 2019, En Avant Guingamp introduced a completely redesigned crest inspired by the club's traditions and Breton identity. The rectangular logo was replaced by a shield featuring the EAG initials above a black band displaying the club's full name. The lower section incorporated the Breton triskelion, while the founding year 1912 was added for the first time. This remains the official crest used by the club today.
EA Guingamp Club History
Founded in 1912, En Avant Guingamp began as a multi-sport association created by local schoolteachers to promote physical education among young people in the Breton town of Guingamp. The club adopted its famous red-and-black colours from the outset and spent much of its early history competing in the regional leagues of Brittany. For decades, En Avant remained an amateur club, relying on strong community support and local volunteers while gradually building a reputation for determination and resilience.
The club's fortunes changed dramatically after Noël Le Graët became president in 1972. Under his leadership, Guingamp embarked on a remarkable rise through the French football pyramid, earning promotion from the regional divisions to Division 2 by 1977 and becoming a fully professional club in 1984. The opening of the Stade de Roudourou in 1990 provided the infrastructure needed for further growth, while the club's emphasis on youth development and sound financial management became the foundation of its long-term success.
Guingamp reached Ligue 1 for the first time in 1995 and quickly established itself despite representing a town of fewer than 8,000 inhabitants. The club gained European experience by winning the 1996 UEFA Intertoto Cup and reached the 1997 Coupe de France Final, narrowly losing to OGC Nice on penalties. During this period, Guingamp developed several outstanding players, most notably Didier Drogba and Florent Malouda, whose performances at the club launched distinguished international careers.
The greatest achievements in the club's history came in the twenty-first century. Guingamp won the Coupe de France in 2009, becoming only the second club outside the French top division to lift the trophy after defeating Breton rivals Stade Rennais 2–1. The feat was repeated in 2014, when Guingamp again defeated Rennes in the final, this time by 2–0. Those triumphs earned qualification for European competition, with the club reaching the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 during the 2014–15 season. Despite periods of relegation and promotion, Guingamp became widely admired for competing successfully against clubs from much larger cities while remaining deeply rooted in its local community.
Today, EA Guingamp competes in Ligue 2 while continuing to focus on youth development and sustainable growth. Playing at the Stade de Roudourou, whose capacity far exceeds the population of the town itself, the club remains one of the most remarkable stories in French football. Its ability to achieve national success despite its modest size has made En Avant Guingamp a symbol of Breton pride and one of France's most respected provincial clubs.
EA Guingamp's biggest rivalry is with Stade Rennais in the Breton Derby (Derby Breton). Although the two clubs differ significantly in size and resources, their encounters are among the most passionate in French football, reflecting the historic competition between two of Brittany's leading clubs. The rivalry reached its peak in the 2009 and 2014 Coupe de France Finals, both won by Guingamp. Matches against Stade Brestois 29 and FC Lorient also carry strong regional significance.
