US Créteil: 90 Years of History & Ambitions for a Return to Pro Football | Paris Region News

Créteil, France – Union Sportive Créteil-Lusitanos, commonly known as US Créteil, is celebrating a remarkable 90 years of history this Saturday with a fan-focused event coinciding with their National 2 (fourth division) match against FC Rousset. The festivities, set to begin at noon at the Stade Dominique Duvauchelle, aim to honor the club’s legacy and engage the local community.

The club, with roots stretching back to 1936, has experienced periods of success, including stints in Ligue 2 between 1999-2007 and again from 2013-2016. While currently competing in the National 2, US Créteil is looking to climb back up the French football pyramid. “90 years represents a lot of stories in athletics, football, handball… It’s a very sporty city that has achieved good results,” said Olivier Miannay, the General Manager of US Créteil Football. “The footballers have participated in professional championships. Today, there is a legacy and a beautiful story to revive. It’s good to make the history known to the inhabitants and our young licensees so that they can immerse themselves in the club through films and photos. We wanted to pay a nice tribute to the people who have worked for Créteil.”

A Day of Festivities for the Entire Family

Starting at noon, the spacious parking area of the Stade Dominique Duvauchelle will be transformed into a football fan zone. A variety of free activities are planned, including 3-vs-3 football, football darts, and football curling, alongside precision and power shooting challenges. Goodies will be up for grabs for participants. For those interested in the club’s history, an ephemeral museum will be set up, showcasing past jerseys and recounting stories from each season.

The club’s passionate supporter group, Kop Banlieue – comprised of the Ultras cristoliens – will be leading an interactive tifo workshop. Throughout the day, fans will be invited to contribute to a large tifo display, adding their own artistic touch. Hugo Dos Santos, known for his match commentary on social media, will also host a dedicated stand, engaging with fans and providing his insights. Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, approximately one hundred former US Créteil players are expected to attend the match.

New Ownership, Renewed Ambitions

The club’s trajectory has been further bolstered by the recent investment from businessman Xavier Niel, founder of Free, who became the majority shareholder in May 2025. Niel’s backing is intended to help US Créteil achieve its ambition of returning to the higher echelons of French football. The team experienced a challenging start to the 2025-26 season, which led to the departure of head coach Karim Mokeddem. Though, under the guidance of current manager Jérôme Arpinon, the team has rebounded and currently occupies the 7th position in Group C with eight matchdays remaining.

Miannay emphasized the importance of aligning the squad with Arpinon’s vision, resulting in the addition of nine players between November 2025 and January 2026: Bai (Saint-Malo), Berkani (Clermont-Ferrand), Diaby (Fréjus/Saint-Raphaël), Hadari (Free Agent), Kouamé (Beauvais), Leonil (Rousset), Mehadji (Paris 13), Ngouyamsa Nounchili (Rodez), and Taty (Colmar). “It took two months for that to be felt on the field,” Miannay explained. “An adaptation period was necessary, both in terms of sports but also administratively. We had six months of intense work to put a new system in place. It had to be well understood by everyone. But today, the project is well underway.”

Looking Towards a Professional Future

The club’s ambitions extend beyond immediate on-field success. “We are one step away from professional status (the National, which will become Ligue 3 next year, will be professional),” Miannay stated. “The main objective is to return to the professional world, to make it sustainable, and then we don’t set any limits.” A key component of this vision is strengthening the club’s connection to the local community through its youth academy, a project particularly close to Xavier Niel’s heart.

US Créteil’s current form is promising, and with the backing of new ownership and a clear strategic direction, the club is poised for a bright future. The celebrations this Saturday are not just a commemoration of 90 years of history, but also a launchpad for the next chapter in the club’s journey. The team’s recent resurgence, coupled with the long-term investment, suggests that US Créteil could be on the cusp of a return to the top level of French football, potentially in time to celebrate their centennial in a decade.

The National 2 match against FC Rousset kicks off at 18:00 local time (16:00 UTC) on Saturday, March 28th, at the Stade Dominique Duvauchelle. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to participate in the pre-match festivities.

What’s Next: US Créteil will travel to face [Opponent to be confirmed] on April 4th in their next National 2 fixture. Stay tuned to the official US Créteil website www.uscl.fr for updates and further information.

What are your predictions for US Créteil’s season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!