One of the most successful sides in French history, Bordeaux began life as Girondins-Omnisports in 1881 – an all-purpose sports club that did not have a stable football section until local outfit Argus Sport were absorbed in 1919.
The team progressed rapidly and first caught the eye by reaching the last 16 of the Coupe de France in 1931-32. They merged with Bordeaux FC in 1935 and attained professional status in 1937, winning the Coupe de France four years later. A first Ligue 1 title came in 1950, but they had to endure 34 trophy-less years before repeating the feat.
For their fans it was well worth the wait, however, and with President Claude Bez pulling the strings, Aimé Jacquet working wonders as Coach and Alain Giresse leading the team on the pitch, Bordeaux became the team of the 1980s. They were crowned Ligue 1 champions in 1984, 1985 and 1987, picked up two Coupe de France trophies (1986 and 1987) and reached the 1986 UEFA Cup final.
Relegation in 1991 as punishment for massive debts put a spanner in the works, though, and, their 1999 title success aside, Bordeaux have since struggled to justify their standing. The club's owners, television channel M6, have brought an end to the profligate spending in recent years, insisting the team focus on youth development instead.
