Anniversary

17, a record and an incredible journey...

On 11 August 2018, OGC Nice will begin its 17th season in the top flight, with a visit from Reims. Never before in its history, have the Red and Blacks established themselves in the top division for such a long time – including during the 'golden years' between 1948 and 1964, when in 16 seasons, the club won the title on 4 occasions and secured 2 Coupes de France. A sign of stability and solidity, the period has also allowed the institution to enter the 3rd millennia with confidence. A look back at the journey the club has been on since the game between Nice – Le Havre on 3 August 2002 marked the come back of the Niçois into the top flight of French football.

Gernot in charge, Grégorini between the sticks, Pancho and Noé at the back, Pablito in the middle, Kaba and Poussin up top. It's 3 August 2002, at the Stade Léo-Lagrange. After a tense summer and a tumultuous time in front of the DNCG, the Gym were finally back in L1 and began a new season against the oldest club in French football.

The joy of the Aiglons who secured promotion on the pitch...

...And who found out during their pre-season trip to Saint-Vallier, that after a long battle with the authorities, they will be back in L1!

The chapter opens with disappointment, Olivier Fauconnier – who signed the following year – turned the game around with ten minutes to go (1-2). But the chapter was open, and 16 years later,  more pages will be filled with stories. In between, great seasons, some less successful seasons, adventures to make the young dream and the older travel… and statistically: 215 L1 games won, 193 draws and 200 defeats (682 goals scored, with 680 conceded).

193 players used

Since the summer of 2002, 193 players have worn the most beautiful shirt in the world in the league. The player who wore the shirt the most, played a key role in the Nice midfield between 2003 and 2010: Olivier Echouafni (207 games, 175 starts).


In terms of minutes, the defensive midfielder is beaten by the flying keeper, David Ospina (189 matches in L1, all played in full between 2008 and 2014, before moving to Arsenal).

The top scorer in this period is none other than last year's Aiglon of the Season: Alassane Plea (36 goals, ahead of Mario, 33 and Dario, 30).

Longevity of clubs in L1 (infographic)

 

The most capped players  (infographic)

 

16 years, 16 stories

Throughout the season, the club's media channels will allow you to revisit moments from the past 16 years, through 16 previously unseen stories summarising the 16 seasons that the Aiglons have spent in L1.

16 stories told by the protagonists of each of the eras, that will be revealed in each matchday programme and on OGCNICE.com.

Constantin Djivas
Statistics : Michel Oreggia