ligue1-logo
News

Ligue 2 BKT Play-offs: USL Dunkerque looking for fairytale ending to historic season

L’Union Sportive du Littoral de Dunkerque are on the verge of writing the most remarkable chapter in their history. Once battling relegation in the regional depths of French football, the is now poised to take on the Ligue 2 BKT play-offs for a place in Ligue 1 McDonald's.
George Boxall
Published on 05/13/2025 at 15:30
2-minute read
From the fifth tier to the brink of Ligue 1 – Dunkerque’s fairytale rise continues.

One of the surprise packages of the season, Dunkerque are surprising on all fronts in a special campaign that has seen them reach the semi-finals of the Coupe de France and push for promotion. And it's all with panache under Portuguese boss Luís Castro.

Dunkerque are gearing up to face Guingamp in the first play-off clash between Ligue 2 BKT sides - with the winner facing FC Metz for an opportunity to play the relegation / promotion playoff involving a side from Ligue 1 McDonald's.

USL Dunkerque's 2024–2025 campaign has been nothing short of extraordinary. Once a semi-professional outfit languishing in the lower tiers of French football, the club is now vying for a historic promotion to Ligue 1 McDonald's, only after making a memorable run to the Coupe de France semi-finals.

Historic Coupe de France Run

USL Dunkerque captivated French football fans with an extraordinary run to the semi-finals of the Coupe de France, marking their deepest progression since 1929. Their journey included notable victories over top-tier teams:

  • Round of 32: Defeated AJ Auxerre (Ligue 1) 1–0.
  • Round of 16: Overcame FCSR Haguenau (National 2) 3–1.
  • Quarter-finals: Staged a stunning comeback to beat Stade Brestois 29 (Ligue 1) 3–2, with Opa Sanganté scoring twice in the final minutes .
  • Semi-finals: Despite leading 2–0 against Paris Saint-Germain, Dunkerque eventually fell 4–2, concluding their inspiring cup run.
ab2-5347.jpg

Key players

  • Ewen Jaouen (Goalkeeper): On loan from Stade de Reims, Jaouen was instrumental in Dunkerque's cup success, notably saving a penalty and scoring the decisive spot-kick in the shootout victory over Lille in the Round of 16.
  • Naatan Skyttä (Midfielder): The Finnish international, signed from Toulouse FC, made an immediate impact with four goals and three assists early in the season, earning back-to-back Player of the Month honors in September and October.
  • Gessime Yassine (Winger): The Franco-Moroccan talent continued his rise, showcasing exceptional dribbling skills and creativity, drawing comparisons to Hatem Ben Arfa.
  • Muhannad Al-Saad (Forward): On loan from Neom SC, Al-Saad became the first Saudi player to score in both Ligue 2 and the Coupe de France, including a goal against PSG in the semi-finals.
  • Ugo Raghouber (Defensive Midfielder): Loaned from Lille, Raghouber provided stability in midfield, becoming a key figure in both league and cup matches.

Ligue 2 BKT Campaign

In Ligue 2 BKT, Dunkerque aimed to solidify their position following promotion. Under the guidance of manager Luís Castro, Les Maritimes had been vying for the promotion spots, but ultimately would finish fourth after a campaign on two fronts seemed to catch up with them. The seasiders will now try their luck through the two rounds of the Ligue 2 BKT play-offs. 

READ MORE: 

>>Lorient and Paris FC sweep Ligue 2 BKT honours at UNFP awards

ligue1-logo
Squads overview