Montpellier HSC

Montpellier HSC

Montpellier Hérault Sport Club (French pronunciation: [mɔ̃pəlje eʁo spɔʁ klœb]; commonly referred to as Montpellier HSC or simply Montpellier) is a French association football club based in the city of Montpellier. The club was founded in 1919 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top level of French football. Montpellier plays its home matches at the Stade de la Mosson located within the city. The first team is managed by former football player René Girard and captained by Serbian defender Nenad Džodić.

Montpellier was founded under the name Stade Olympique Montpelliérain (SO Montpellier) and played under the name for most of its existence. In 1989, after playing under various names, the club changed its name to its current form. Montpellier is one of the founding members of the first division of French football. Along with Marseille, Rennes, Sochaux, and Nice, Montpellier is the only club to have played in the inaugural 1932–33 season and still be playing in the first division as of today. The club has, however, never won Ligue 1. Montpellier's highest honour to date was winning the Coupe de France in 1929 and 1990. The club has also won the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 1999 and the Coupe d'été in 1992; the latter competition being a precursor to the Coupe de la Ligue.

Montpellier is owned by Louis Nicollin, a French entrepreneur, and have been since 1974. The club has produced several players in its history, most notably Laurent Blanc, who currently serves as manager of the France national team. Blanc is the club's all-time leading goalscorer. Eric Cantona, Roger Milla, and Carlos Valderrama are other players who passed through the club. In 2001, Montpellier added a female section to the football club.

Source : Wikipedia.com