Coupe de France: Five Epic Finals
The Coupe de France, steeped in history since its inaugural edition in 1917, has long been a theatre for drama, romance, and giant-killing acts. From amateur fairy tales to titanic tussles between Ligue 1 heavyweights, the final at the Stade de France—or formerly the Parc des Princes—has hosted unforgettable spectacles. As another final approaches, we look back at five of the most memorable Coupe de France finals.
Bastia 2–1 Saint-Étienne (1981)
Corsican pride conquers the capital
In one of the most iconic finals of the early 80s, SC Bastia shocked AS Saint-Étienne, who were just stepping out from their dominant '70s era. With the Stade de France still a dream, the match was played at the Parc des Princes. Goals from Louis Marcialis and Roger Milla gave Bastia a stunning win, as Les Verts—featuring legends like Michel Platini and Johnny Rep —fell short.
Calais RUFC 1–2 Nantes (2000)
The amateurs who nearly conquered France
No list would be complete without the 2000 final, arguably the most romantic in Coupe de France history. Calais RUFC, a fourth-tier amateur side, defied all odds to reach the final, knocking out top-flight opposition along the way. In front of a captivated nation, Calais even took the lead through Jérôme Dutitre. But FC Nantes, coached by former club legend coach Raynald Denoueix, struck back through Antoine Sibierski and won it late with a penalty from Olivier Monterrubio.
PSG 2–2 Marseille (aet, PSG win 2–1 on penalties) (2006)
A rare Coupe de France final Classique, this 2006 edition pitted Paris Saint-Germain against Marseille, and it did not disappoint. Pegged as one of the tensest finals in recent memory, it featured drama, late goals, and penalty shootout heartbreak. PSG’s Bonaventure Kalou and Vikash Dhorasoo were among the scorers, while Marseille responded through Toifilou Maoulida. In the shootout, PSG held their nerve to lift the trophy in a fiercely fought encounter.
PSG 1–0 Monaco (2010)
This tight, tactical final marked the beginning of PSG’s modern love affair with the Coupe de France. Before the QSI era, the capital club were already cup specialists. Guillaume Hoarau was the hero, scoring the extra-time winner to hand PSG their eighth Coupe de France title. The victory set the tone for the club’s 2010s dominance, with multiple record-breaking cup titles following.
Angers SCO 0-1 PSG (2017)
While Angers may not have the same romantic backstory as the likes of Calais, the Breton side reached the final only a year after an unlikely promotion to the top flight, and Stéphane Moulin's side gave the capital side all they could handle, falling only to a stoppage-time own goal by Issa Cissokho.
