Nantes Women's Historic Rise: How a Small Team is Shaking French Football
FC Nantes Women's team is currently in training, with sessions last week including two practices on grass pitches across four different locations. This logistical challenge highlights the resource constraints faced by a squad that is nonetheless making waves in French football.
A Philosophy of Fluid Football
There is one video circulating repeatedly on the players' phones: Lucie Calba's goal in a recent 3-0 victory over Strasbourg. This exceptional play involved eight players moving the ball the length of the pitch in just 18 seconds, epitomising the team's style. Camille Robillard, the team's No 10 and academy graduate, describes it as "very satisfying because we're able to reproduce everything we work on in training in matches." She notes it reflects the "Nantes style" reminiscent of the men's team from the 1990s, known for attacking, fluid play.
This approach is championed by head coach Nicolas Chabot, who took over in the 2022-23 season. At 31, he advocates for "a style of football based on combinations and teamwork, where technique and tactics come before athleticism." His philosophy has yielded remarkable success, with immediate promotion to the Première Ligue followed by a seventh-place finish in their debut top-flight season.
Building a Competitive Squad
This season, Nantes have surpassed expectations, holding second place in Ligue 1 behind OL Lyonnes, partly due to a points penalty for Paris St-Germain. Initially aiming for a top-six finish, Chabot focused on enhancing existing talent and recruiting players who fit both on and off the pitch, often overhauling half the squad in summer.
Key signings include Morocco's Imane Saoud, Algeria's Melissa Bethi, France international Léa Khelifi, and Lucie Calba, a France Under-23 star. Chabot admits, "Given our situation, we couldn't afford to sign players already performing at the highest level," but their playing style has attracted top talent.
Another notable addition is Mariam Toloba, a Belgian international from Standard Liège, who was contacted by Chabot via Instagram. She recalls, "Moses Simon told me, 'Why don't you come play for Nantes? The women's team is good.'" Toloba was drawn by the club's ambitious philosophy and staff.
Overcoming Challenges with Determination
Chabot juggles multiple roles as coach, manager, and sporting director, negotiating for resources in a financially constrained environment. He notes, "One player at Lyonnes earns roughly the same as 21 players do here," with Nantes salaries ranging from €2,200 to €4,600 before tax.
The team operates from temporary facilities, including offices, a cafeteria, and changing rooms, set up hastily to support their rapid progress. Chabot explains, "Right now, we're close to the maximum of what we can do with our current facilities," citing limited access to grass pitches as a ongoing issue.
Despite these hurdles, the squad thrives on camaraderie. During lunch, players unite singing a French song, fostering a light-hearted atmosphere. Captain Maureen Cosson, signed in 2023 for D3, says, "I think the secret of FC Nantes is everything we put in daily... and we don't take ourselves too seriously. We play like friends, that's our strength."
Aiming for European Glory
With four matches remaining, Nantes are second with 36 points, level with Paris FC and ahead of PSG. They are well-positioned for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification. Toloba asserts, "When you watch us play, we don't have to hide – we're playing football at the level of teams like Lyon or PSG." Chabot adds, "It costs nothing to dream about Europe, because factually, we're in the race."
The men's team's potential relegation could impact budgets, but focus remains on a key match against PSG at La Beaujoire stadium, where over 13,000 fans are expected. Nantes already broke their attendance record with 17,491 spectators against Marseille. Chabot reflects, "La Beaujoire is where anything can happen in our story."
As the women's section gains recognition, Cosson observes, "We feel more and more considered at the club, but also on the outside." Chabot concludes, "We don't realise everything we are achieving from the inside... this small group of girls is leaving a permanent mark on the club's history."
