View source for Pau FC

{{Short description|Association football club based in Pau, Béarn, France}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Infobox football club
| clubname = Pau FC
| image = Pau FC logo.svg
| upright = 0.8
| fullname = Pau Football Club
| nickname = {{lang|fr|Les Maynats}}<ref name="nickname">{{Cite web |url=https://footnickname.wordpress.com/2023/02/03/943-pau-fc-les-meynats/|title=#943 – Pau FC: les Meynats |date=3 February 2023 | language=fr | publisher=Footnickname |access-date=19 February 2023}}</ref> <br/> [[Béarn|Les Béarnais]]
| founded = {{Start date and age|1959|5|19|df=yes}}, as F.C. Pau <ref group="nb">It is also possible to view Pau FC as a direct continuation of the football section of Bleuets de Notre-Dame. However, it is important to note that the Bleuets continued to exist and field teams in competitions after the formation of FC Pau. Since 2022, the club has officially cited 1995 as its founding date, a year that now appears on the club's new logo. This date, which should not be regarded as the true founding year, actually marks the reformation of the current entity following its bankruptcy in 1995.</ref>
| ground = [[Nouste Camp]]
| capacity = 4,031
| owner = Bernard Laporte-Fray
| chairman = Bernard Laporte-Fray
| mgrtitle = Head coach
| manager = [[Nicolas Usaï]]
| league = {{French football updater|Pau}}
| season = {{French football updater|Pau2}}
| position = {{French football updater|Pau3}}
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| current = 2024–25 Pau FC season
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'''Pau Football Club''', commonly referred to as '''Pau FC''', is a professional [[Association football|football]] club based in [[Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques|Pau]], capital of [[Béarn]], France. Pau FC plays its home matches at the [[Nouste Camp]] and competes in [[Ligue 2]], the [[French football league system|second tier of French football]]. Nicknamed Les Maynats, Pau FC traces its origins to the [[Parochial patronage|patronage]] of the '''Bleuets de Notre-Dame''', officially founded in 1920 in the Mayolis district. By the onset of the 1958–59 season, the Bleuets had ascended to the highest amateur division in the [[French football league system]], prompting religious authorities to acknowledge its sporting prowess, surpassing that of a mere local football club. Under the stewardship of its founding president, José Bidegain, the Bleuets de Notre-Dame's senior team transitioned into the '''Football-Club de Pau'''. By the 60s, they had settled in the [[Stade du Hameau]], harbouring ambitions of turning professional.

However, recurrent financial troubles weakened the club, necessitating interventions from the municipal authorities of Pau. Consequently, FC Pau endured relegation woes, dropping back to the regional South West League. Despite management's aspirations, professional status eluded them. The 90s witnessed reckless spending in pursuit of promotion to [[Ligue 2]], culminating in financial insolvency and relegation to the fourth tier of [[French football league system|French football]] in 1995.

A revival came under the guidance of former players {{Interlanguage link|Bernard Laporte-Fray|lt=Bernard Laporte-Fray|fr}} and [[Joël Lopez (footballer, born 1960)|Joël Lopez]], who rebranded the club as Pau Football Club. Financial restructuring ensued, stabilising the club in the third tier until [[2007–08 Championnat National|2007]]. However, subsequent relegation compounded by non-sporting crises, delayed their return to the third division until the [[2016–17 Championnat National|2016–17 season]].

In 2019, marking 59 years since its inception, Pau FC celebrated the opening of its inaugural stadium, [[Nouste Camp]].

The club's achievements include winning the [[Championnat National]] in 2020, winning the [[Championnat National 2|National 2]] title twice in 1998 and 2016 and winning the French South-West League in 1958 and 1968.

The pinnacle of their achievements arrived with victory in the [[Championnat National]], the third division, during the [[2019–20 Championnat National|2019–20 season]], earning the club promotion to [[Ligue 2]]. This ushered in a period of unprecedented success, as the club seeks to firmly establish itself in the realm of the [[French football league system]].

==History==
=== Bleuets de Notre-Dame (1920–59) ===
The history of football in Pau begins in [[1888]] with the establishment of the Association Bourbaki. In 1904, the football section of this organization was founded under the name Football Association Bourbaki. While football gained significance in Pau from 1909 with the initiation of JAB de Pau, [[rugby union]] remained the predominant sport in the [[Béarn]] and [[Gascony]] regions.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Histoire de Pau |date=1989 |publisher=Privat |isbn=978-2-7089-8238-3 |editor-last=Tucoo-Chala |editor-first=Pierre |series=Univers de la France et des pays francophones Histoire des villes |location=Toulouse}}</ref>

Until the end of [[World War II]], FA Bourbaki was the flagship football club in Béarn.

At the beginning of the [[Trente Glorieuses]], the [[post-World War II]] period of rapid economic growth in France, the Bleuets de Notre-Dame patronage, located in the Mayolis Quarter, reached the highest amateur league in the [[French football league system]], known as the Division Nationale.

The small neighborhood [[Parochial patronage|patronage]] evolved into an institution representing the city and [[Béarn]]. The [[diocese]], recognizing that this level of sports activity extended beyond the scope of a simple neighborhood sports association, sought to disengage. They then began the search for leaders capable of managing a club of this magnitude.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Christian |first=Sempé |date=2009-05-22 |title=Les héros du Quartier Mayolis |url=https://archives.larepubliquedespyrenees.fr/storage/timemachine-rep-prod/high?path=data/2009/05/22/00/00/d6ef3a80bcdd528b56252a46c5f4dcf7c5f4679283fbd731c351aa557fa750c0.jpg |journal=La République des Pyrénées |language=fr}}</ref>

=== Football Club de Pau (1959–95) ===
The "Football Club de Pau" was officially established on {{Date|May 19, 1959}} by José Bidegain, marking a significant milestone in the history of football in the region. This made it the only football club hailing from the Béarn or Gascony areas of France. Notably, it also stood as one of the very few clubs in the broader [[Southern France|South West region of France]], apart from well-known cities like [[Toulouse]] and [[Bordeaux]], to compete at the national level in the [[French football league system]].<ref>{{Cite journal |date=1959-07-15 |title=Un nouveau club de football: le FC Palois |url=https://archives.larepubliquedespyrenees.fr/storage/timemachine-rep-prod/high?path=data/1959/07/15/00/00/256c8a758e0f5efe8d745954528943e389df88aa6856c49090b6cea3b19f6365.jpg |journal=La République des Pyrénées |language=fr}}</ref>

In its early days, the club faced unique challenges due to the lack of a dedicated home ground. Instead, it used various stadiums in the city of [[Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques|Pau]], such as the "Stade des Bleuets" and "Stade Bourbaki." The club proudly embraced the blue and white colors of its patronage roots and carried forward the motto "Vaincre ou sourire" (Conquer or Smile).

One of the significant achievements for FC Pau came in the form of reclaiming the spot that belonged to the "Bleuets" in the French Amateur Championship for the 1959–1960 season. However, financial difficulties stemming from limited infrastructure posed challenges for the club's stability. During its inaugural season, FC Pau finished in the 7th position within the CFA Sud-Ouest group.

As the club progressed into its second season, it began to solidify its position and attract experienced players. Despite facing player departures and changes in coaching staff, FC Pau managed to maintain its competitive standing in the championship. This resilience demonstrated the club's determination and dedication to making its mark on the football scene, not only regionally but also nationally.

==== Progressive Withdrawal of José Bidegain  ====
In the 1964–1965 season, FC Pau experienced its first relegation in history. José Bidegain gradually stepped back from the club's leadership, allowing James Chambaud to assume the presidency. The relegation to a regional level brought about increased financial difficulties. Operating without proper facilities, the club faced a nomadic existence, utilizing various stadiums in Pau. During this period, young player Paul Escudé stood out, becoming the first player from Pau to join the [[France national youth football team]].<ref>{{Cite journal |date=1964-06-10 |title=SOS pour le football palois |url=https://archives.larepubliquedespyrenees.fr/storage/timemachine-rep-prod/high?path=data/1964/06/10/00/00/c683f7e91f67705c10d268af6557a3e7c9fc22bc0c841e92d4181458ee50fae5.jpg |journal=La République des Pyrénées |language=fr}}</ref>

The club later regained its status in the highest amateur level in 1968–69, but this season also marked the departure of the promising Paul Escudé, who joined [[FC Girondins de Bordeaux|Girondins de Bordeaux]]. Despite its efforts, FC Pau remained relatively isolated in the local sports scene, with historical patronage clubs not fully recognizing its legitimacy. Consequently, FC Pau experienced a second relegation to the regional divisions of the South-West League in 1969.

==== Construction & Ambition under Pierre Clède's Leadership (1975–81) ====
Pierre Clède assumed leadership of the club in 1975 amidst sporting and financial challenges. The club spent two seasons in the Regional Divisions of the South West League before reclaiming a spot in the Fourth Division in 1978–1979. Clède aimed to reach the second division within five seasons,<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Clède |first=Pierre |date=1976-06-03 |title=Objectif du Pau FC sur cinq ans: accèder à la Division II |url=https://archives.larepubliquedespyrenees.fr/storage/timemachine-rep-prod/high?path=data/1976/06/03/00/00/8b1a73d615253fc0af7847c0ac4acc0599d57c059a5eb29faddf626ece92d6a8.jpg |journal=La République des Pyrénées |language=fr}}</ref> but declining results and stadium attendance posed difficulties. The legendary player of [[Stade Montois (football)|Stade Montois]], [[Jacques Foix]], took over as coach in the 1980–1981 season, but financial issues persisted, impacting results. However, Paul Escudé returned to the club, overseeing youth teams and significantly influencing its development.

Ultimately, at the start of the 1981–1982 season, Paul Escudé assumed responsibility for the first team and injected new energy into the club. Despite financial challenges, the club's outdated Ousse-des-Bois Stadium no longer met its needs.

==== Paul Escudé Era & Struggle for Promotion to Second Division (1981–91) ====
In the 1980s, president Clède sought the fusion of historical Pau football clubs to address infrastructure deficiencies. Yet, strong resistance from local clubs, particularly JAB de Pau, thwarted these efforts. Amidst this impasse, Clède shifted focus and aimed to model FC Pau after professional clubs from smaller cities like AJ Auxerre or Stade Lavallois.

FC Pau regained Division 3 status at the start of the 1983–1984 season, led by iconic coach Paul Escudé. The club's return sparked growing enthusiasm, attracting over 8,000 spectators to the [[Coupe de France]] match against [[AS Saint-Étienne]]. The following season, FC Pau narrowly missed professional promotion but demonstrated remarkable progress. Under Xavier Gravelaine's influence, the club showcased an offensive style of play, thrilling fans at Stade du Hameau.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Larrecq |first=Michel |date=1985-03-08 |title=Clède, le bâtisseur discret |url=https://archives.larepubliquedespyrenees.fr/storage/timemachine-rep-prod/high?path=data/1985/03/08/00/00/9f2299578ea83ffb6e17556c8a5a1324629b96acb0b0f5e09da6749626ec025d.jpg |journal=La République des Pyrénées}}</ref>

However, the late 1980s brought financial difficulties again, alleviated partially by the intervention of Mayor André Labarrère. As Paul Escudé's tenure ended in 1990, the club underwent leadership changes and narrowly avoided relegation. Challenges persisted, with a dilapidated Ousse-des-Bois Stadium highlighting the need for revitalization.

==== Golden Age under President Pitoun (1991–93) ====
In 1991, [[real estate]] developer Alain Pitoun assumed control of FC Pau, ushering in a new era. Pitoun appointed Paul Escudé as coach, aiming to secure promotion and revitalize the club's image. The club shifted its colors back to the original blue and white of the Bleuets de Notre-Dame. Pitoun's arrival, reminiscent of [[Bernard Tapie]], shook the Pau football landscape. With Richard Allenda as sporting director, the club underwent a high-profile recruitment drive, attracting notable talents like [[Claude Lowitz]] and [[Patrick Cubaynes]] or [[Billy Thompson (soccer, born 1968)|Billy Thompson]]. FC Pau transitioned from a decaying Ousse-des-Bois Stadium to [[Stade du Hameau]].

Despite financial challenges, the Pitoun era cultivated a fervent fan base and ambitious aspirations, marked by a notable run in the [[Coupe de France]]. However, financial issues escalated, culminating in Pitoun's departure amidst legal troubles and financial liabilities, having already been targeted by several attacks from the [[Iparretarrak]] group. The club faced liquidation, resulting in a series of leadership changes and instability.

==== Decay and Judicial Liquidation (1993–95) ====
FC Pau's participation in the newly established National Championship marked a turning point. Despite challenges, the club showcased potential, defeating notable teams in the [[Coupe de France]]. Financial problems worsened, leading to player strikes and Pitoun's resignation. The club was eventually liquidated in 1995, ending a tumultuous chapter in its history.

=== Pau Football Club ===
The Football-Club de Pau, having faced a period of judicial liquidation, rises from its ashes through the efforts of Bernard Laporte-Fray, a former goalkeeper of the club. Laporte-Fray had been a starter during the 1982–83 season, when FC Pau gained promotion to Division 3 of the French Football Championship. Twelve years later, he becomes the president of the newly established Pau Football Club.

The Pau Football Club is officially reestablished on {{Date|June 14, 1995}}, adopting the iconic yellow and blue colors of the city of Pau.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=1995-02-11 |title=Une équipe de repreueurs tient la corde |url=https://archives.sudouest.fr/storage/timemachine-so-prod/high?path=data/1995/02/11/04/00/0607b09c1adf44f10976d90e21e62be2f966383cc0d644db2b3ab9f70494a26d.jpg |journal=Sud Ouest |language=fr}}</ref> Two competing projects vied for the revival of FC Pau: one led by Laporte-Fray, and the other by the former club president, Pierre Clède. Ultimately, the project of the Pau Football Club proposed by Laporte-Fray was chosen by Mayor André Labarrère.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Prugneau |first=Pierre |date=2020-05-06 |title=Entre le FC Pau et ses Ehpad, Bernard Laporte-Fray est sur tous les fronts |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Article/Entre-le-fc-pau-et-ses-ehpad-bernard-laporte-fray-est-sur-tous-les-fronts/1132242 |access-date=2023-08-14 |website=[[L'Équipe]] |language=fr}}</ref>

Robert Péré-Escamps, a former emblematic captain of the 1980s, was appointed as the coach with the mission of maintaining the club's position in National 2, following its administrative relegation in the previous season. Drastic changes are made to the club's sporting policies, resulting in the departure of several players such as [[Frédérik Viseux|Frédéric Viseux]], [[José Dalmao]], [[Bob Senoussi]], and [[Pascal Plancque]].

Pau FC embarked on its new journey at the [[Stade du Hameau]] with a 1–0 victory over [[Dijon FCO]], marking the beginning of this new era.

==== Development under René Girard (1997–01) ====
In 1996, [[René Girard (footballer)|René Girard]] was appointed as the coach of Pau FC, with the goal of returning the team to the [[Championnat National]] before advancing to [[Ligue 2]]. During his tenure, [[Édouard Cissé|Edouard Cissé]] made his debut in the first team and later transferred to [[Paris Saint-Germain F.C.|Paris Saint-Germain]].<ref>{{Cite journal |date=1996-12-23 |title=Le rêve brisé de Cissé |url=https://archives.sudouest.fr/storage/timemachine-so-prod/high?path=data/1996/12/23/04/00/b2774585764b1aa0309bbb61b8ccfd8e55b81c3c7716b48474849ba3e0857413.jpg |journal=Sud Ouest |language=fr}}</ref> However, Girard's efforts did not yield desired results in the [[Championnat National]], leading to his dismissal in December 1997. Girard cited behind-the-scenes influence and lack of control over recruitment as reasons for his departure. Legal disputes ensued, and [[Joël Lopez (footballer, born 1960)|Joël Lopez]] and Richard Allenda temporarily managed the team. Under [[Pascal Plancque]]'s coaching, Pau FC reached the 8th round of the [[Coupe de France]], facing [[Paris Saint-Germain F.C.|Paris Saint-Germain]] and iconic [[Selecao]] captain [[Raí]], who went on to score the winning goal.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nieto |first=Sébastien |date=2020-01-29 |title=Rai et Paris ont des souvenirs du Béarn |url=https://www.leparisien.fr/sports/football/psg/pau-psg-rai-et-paris-ont-des-souvenirs-du-bearn-29-01-2020-8247327.php |access-date=2023-08-14 |website=leparisien.fr |language=fr-FR}}</ref> Despite losing, the match showcased Pau FC's resilience against a stronger opponent.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Duthu |first=Marc |date=2020-01-14 |title=Pau FC: " Bien sûr que Rai était hors-jeu ! " |language=fr-FR |url=https://www.sudouest.fr/sport/football/coupe-de-france/pau-fc-bien-sur-que-rai-etait-hors-jeu-2086575.php |access-date=2023-08-14 |issn=1760-6454}}</ref>

The club's fortunes fluctuated in the following years, including a period of turmoil due to legal issues involving club officials Bernard Laporte-Fray and Richard Allenda. The presidency changed hands, with [[Joël Lopez (footballer, born 1960)|Joël Lopez]] taking over. Notable figures like [[Édouard Cissé|Edouard Cissé]] and [[Tino Costa]] made appearances for Pau FC, contributing to the team's efforts. The team maintained its presence in the [[Championnat National|National]] until 2008 when relegation to the [[Championnat National 2]] occurred after a decade and the club faced challenges both on and off the field, seeking stability and development amid financial constraints.

==== Relegation to National 2 (2001–08) ====
Between 2001 and 2008, Pau FC faced a series of challenges that led to significant changes and setbacks. In 2001, the club was plunged into turmoil following the conviction of its president, Bernard Laporte-Fray, and its sporting director, Richard Allenda, for the possession of [[cocaine]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2001-11-16 |title=Poudre Blanche et Ballon Rond |language=fr |work=La République des Pyrénées |url=https://archives.larepubliquedespyrenees.fr/storage/timemachine-rep-prod/high?path=data/2001/11/16/00/00/9dc9b354ae5ace2463407ba37e9004d591ae5b866b54bf3b755a57ce27fb7c49.jpg}}</ref> This legal issue resulted in suspended prison sentences for both individuals. As a consequence, Laporte-Fray was banned from any sports-related activities until 2009, though he remained the majority shareholder of the club.

The club's leadership changed hands during this period, with Jacques le Coadou assuming the presidency temporarily and later succeeded by [[Joël Lopez (footballer, born 1960)|Joël Lopez]].  The club faced challenges not only in terms of leadership but also on the field, struggling to maintain a stable identity and achieve consistent results. In the 2005–06 season, under the management of [[Marc Lévy (footballer)|Marc Lévy]], the club loaned [[André-Pierre Gignac]], then a young player who made a significant impact by scoring eight goals in twenty matches, contributing to the team's survival.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-10-08 |title=Du saucisson dans le bus aux barbecues de l'OM, les quatre vies d'André-Pierre Gignac |language=fr |work=[[20 minutes (France)]] |url=https://www.20minutes.fr/sport/1457239-20141008-equipe-france-saucisson-bus-barbecues-om-quatre-vies-andre-pierre-gignac}}</ref>

The club's fortunes took a further downturn, leading to its relegation from the [[Championnat National]] to [[Championnat National 2|National 2]] in 2008. This relegation prompted the need for a major restructuring and a renewed focus on youth development.

==== Rebuilding (2008–16) ====
The subsequent years saw Pau FC struggling in the lower divisions, with relegation to National 2 in the 2007–08 season. During this period, the club underwent several changes in leadership, and a lack of stability hindered its progress. Financial difficulties and a decline in public support further compounded the club's challenges.

Bernard Laporte-Fray returned to the presidency in 2010, aiming to revitalize the club and steer it towards a successful future. Laporte-Fray's efforts included increasing the budget to support the club's ambitions of returning to higher divisions, with a focus on [[Championnat National]] and ultimately [[Ligue 2]].<ref name=":0" />

Despite Laporte-Fray's initiatives, the club continued to struggle on and off the pitch. Attempts to secure financial stability and engage local players were met with mixed success. The club's survival remained a concern, with prominent figures like [[Jean-Michel Larqué]] expressing skepticism about potential mergers of various Pau-based football clubs.

The club's fortunes began to shift in the 2015–2016 season, as it achieved its best start and performance in years. Pau FC managed to secure promotion back to the third division (National), marking a positive turning point after years of challenges.

==== Consolidation in the Championnat National (2016–20) ====
Les Maynats made their return to the [[Championnat National]] during the [[2016–17 Championnat National|2016–17 season]] and finished in 14th place, just above the relegation zone. The Pau FC secured a miraculous maintenance on the final day of the season with a 3–0 victory over [[US Concarneau|Concarneau]], benefitting from concurrent defeats suffered by [[CS Sedan Ardennes|Sedan]] and [[CA Bastia]].

The 2017–18 season marked a period of consolidation for the team, anticipating the move to their new stadium, [[Nouste Camp]]. For the final game at [[Stade du Hameau]], the team bid farewell to its old grounds in a match against the champion, [[Red Star F.C.|Red Star FC]]. This transition marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the club's history.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-01-20 |title=Tiens, ça donne quoi le National cette année ? |url=https://www.sofoot.com/articles/tiens-ca-donne-quoi-le-national-cette-annee-france-bilan |access-date=2023-08-14 |website=SOFOOT.com |language=fr}}</ref>

Under the leadership of David Vignes, who had a record tenure of nine seasons, Pau FC achieved a milestone, surpassing the reign of Paul Escudé.

In the 2018–19 season, the Pau FC, led by Italian coach Raffaele Novelli, aimed to reach [[Ligue 2]] within three years. Notable arrivals on loan included [[Vincent Thill]] and [[Quentin Boisgard]].

Novelli was replaced by [[Bruno Irles]] in January 2019, who was later assisted by [[Dado Pršo]].

On 16 January 2020, Pau eliminated [[Ligue 1]] side [[FC Girondins de Bordeaux|Bordeaux]] from the [[Coupe de France]] following a 3–2 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Devin |first=Adam White and Eric |date=20 January 2020 |title=There is still magic in the French Cup |url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/jan/20/there-is-still-magic-in-the-french-cup |access-date=11 January 2021 |website=The Guardian |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=17 January 2020 |title=Bordeaux stunned by Pau in French Cup {{!}} New Straits Times |url=https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2020/01/557224/bordeaux-stunned-pau-french-cup |access-date=11 January 2021 |website=NST Online |language=en |agency=Reuters}}</ref>  ''Les Maynats'' went on to face national champions [[Paris Saint-Germain F.C.|Paris Saint-Germain]] in the round of 16 of the cup, losing 2–0. Pau registered their highest attendance ever that day, with 16,707 persons witnessing the Parisian victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pau v PSG Match Report, 29/01/2020, Coupe de France {{!}} Goal.com |url=https://www.goal.com/en/match/pau-v-psg/5xn7c5xfohlz0jhqcasunvsru |access-date=11 January 2021 |website=www.goal.com}}</ref>

When the [[2019–20 Championnat National]] season was prematurely ended due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Pau were top of the table, and were declared promoted to [[Ligue 2]] by the FFF executive committee.<ref>{{Cite web |title=No title awarded in France's 3rd division this season, but Pau & Dunkerque still promoted {{!}} Get French Football News |url=https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2020/no-title-awarded-in-frances-3rd-division-this-season-but-pau-dunkerque-still-promoted/ |access-date=11 January 2021 |website=www.getfootballnewsfrance.com|date=11 May 2020 }}</ref>  While they clinched the Champion of National title, it wasn't officially recognized by the [[French Football Federation|Fédération française de football]] in the same way as Ligue 1 and [[Ligue 2]] titles governed by the [[Ligue de Football Professionnel|Ligue de football professionnel]].<ref name=":0" />

==== Discovery of the Professional World (2020–23) ====
{{Main article|2020–21 Pau FC season|2021–22 Pau FC season|2022–23 Pau FC season}}
At the outset of the 2020–21 season, Pau FC underwent a shift in leadership, parting ways with the duo of Irles and Prso. Didier Tholot was appointed as the head coach of the first team. Tholot expressed his desire for a vibrant team, setting a new direction for the club. The behind-the-scenes transition was documented, shedding light on the changes taking place. Facing the challenge of their debut Ligue 2 season with a meager budget of €6.5 million, the Pau FC aimed to secure swift retention in the division. Despite a challenging start, the team rallied in the latter half of the season and achieved an impressive 14th-place finish.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-05-18 |title=Foot, diaporama: l'incroyable première saison du Pau FC en Ligue 2 |url=https://www.larepubliquedespyrenees.fr/sport/football/ligue-2/foot-diaporama-l-incroyable-premiere-saison-du-pau-fc-en-ligue-2-5250537.php |access-date=2023-08-14 |website=LaRepubliqueDesPyrenees |language=fr-FR}}</ref> This marked a notable accomplishment in their inaugural season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ligue 2 2020/2021 Table, Results, Stats and Fixtures |url=https://www.footballcritic.com/ligue-2/season-2020-2021/329/35577 |access-date=2021-12-19 |website=FootballCritic |language=en}}</ref>
[[File:Didier_Tholot.jpg|thumb|170x170px|Didier Tholot has been coaching Pau FC since 2020.]]
The following season, 2021–22, proved a turning point for Pau FC, achieving a historic milestone with a commendable 10th-place ranking in the league. This success led to [[Didier Tholot]]'s nomination for the UNFP Best Ligue 2 Coach award, reflecting his contribution to the team's achievements.

The lead-up to the 2022–23 season signaled a shift in the club's sporting policy. Joël Lopez confirmed that the club would no longer prioritize player loans. Notably, the club achieved a record sale of €0.5 million with the transfer of [[Samuel Essende]] to [[Stade Malherbe Caen|SM Caen]]. However, the departure of key players who had been instrumental in their L2 promotion, such as [[Quentin Daubin]], [[Victor Lobry]], and [[Romain Armand]], marked a significant transition period.

Embracing ambition, Pau FC adopted an international recruitment strategy, bringing in talents like [[Nguyễn Quang Hải (footballer, born 1997)|Nguyễn Quang Hải]] from [[Hanoi FC]] and [[Diyaeddine Abzi]] from [[York United FC]] in Canada.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Transferts: Le " Messi vietnamien " signe à Pau (L2) |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Transferts-quang-hi-nguyn-signe-a-pau-l2/1341040 |access-date=2023-08-14 |website=L'Équipe |language=fr}}</ref> The signing of Quang Hai Nguyen garnered widespread attention on Asian social media platforms, enhancing the club's popularity in the region.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ligue 2: après la signature du "Messi vietnamien", les réseaux sociaux de Pau explosent |url=https://rmcsport.bfmtv.com/football/ligue-2/ligue-2-apres-la-signature-du-messi-vietnamien-les-reseaux-sociaux-de-pau-explosent_AV-202207110392.html |access-date=2023-08-14 |website=RMC SPORT |language=fr}}</ref> Pau FC then encountered new challenges, including counterfeit merchandise flooding the Asian market, as well as the high-profile winter transfer of goalkeeper [[Alexandre Olliero]] to [[Stade de Reims]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=INSOLITE. Contrefaçons loufoques, réseaux sociaux en folie... l'été agité du Pau FC après l'arrivée du "Messi Vietnamien" |url=https://www.ladepeche.fr/2022/10/17/insolite-contrefacons-loufoques-reseaux-sociaux-en-folie-lete-agite-du-pau-fc-apres-larrivee-du-messi-vietnamien-10740502.php |access-date=2023-08-14 |website=ladepeche.fr |language=fr}}</ref>

==== Fresh start (2023–) ====
{{Main article|2023–24 Pau FC season|2024–25 Pau FC season}}

At the beginning of the 2023–24 season, Pau FC embarked on a new era following a series of major changes in the club's leadership. A decisive victory against [[SM Caen]] at the end of the [[2022–23 Pau FC season|previous season]] ensured their retention in [[Ligue 2]]. Club president Bernard Laporte-Fray emphasized the need for a fresh start, highlighting his intent to rebuild the club. Despite Pau FC's modest size, Laporte-Fray pointed out that the club's payroll was comparable to that of other clubs such as [[Grenoble Foot 38|Grenoble]] and [[Quevilly Rouen|QRM]], and even exceeded some other clubs that performed well in the 2022-2023 Ligue 2 season. He took responsibility for reorganizing the club's structure to enhance its performance. His son, Yann Laporte-Fray, assumed the role of general director, Luis de Sousa joined as the sports director, and [[Nicolas Usaï]] took charge as the head coach.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Martinelli |first=Vincent |date=2023-06-20 |title=Avec Usaï et de Sousa, le Pau FC ouvre un nouveau chapitre |work=La République des Pyrénées |url=https://www.larepubliquedespyrenees.fr/sport/football/ligue-2/football-l2-avec-usai-et-de-sousa-le-pau-fc-ouvre-un-nouveau-chapitre-15641386.php}}</ref>

The departures of coach [[Didier Tholot]] and general director [[Joël Lopez (footballer, born 1960)|Joël Lopez]] were officially announced, signifying the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter. Reports indicated disagreements within the leadership since the winter transfer of [[Alexandre Olliero]] to [[Stade de Reims]], a move that went through despite Tholot and Lopez's reservations. The concurrent arrival of Luis de Sousa as [[sporting director]] played a crucial role in this endeavor. This role had not been clearly defined during the club's first three seasons in Ligue 2.  De Sousa was chosen to help build a strong team capable of remaining in Ligue 2. Additionally, President Laporte-Fray announced a partnership with neighboring club [[SD Huesca]] known for their expertise in scouting lesser-known players to excel in Spanish football.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-09 |title=Acuerdo de colaboración entre la SD Huesca y el Pau FC |url=https://www.sdhuesca.es/noticias/acuerdo-de-colaboracion-entre-la-sd-huesca-y-el-pau-fc |website=sdhuesca.es |language=es}}</ref>

=== Key dates ===
'''1920''': Foundation of '''''Bleuets Notre-Dame de Pau'''''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1920-10-01 |title=Déclaration d'Association |url=https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k5276315r/f2 |access-date=2022-07-18 |website=Gallica, L'Indépendant des Basses-Pyrénées |language=EN}}</ref>

'''1923''': First football season of Bleuets Notre-Dame de Pau.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1920-01-20 |title=L'Indépendant des Basses-Pyrénées: Football - Association |url=https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k5277812j |access-date=2023-08-21 |website=Gallica |language=EN}}</ref>

'''1951''': French youth champion<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=1950-04-01 |title=" La Coupe juniors de Football retourne à Pau! " |url=https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k9669535n |access-date=2023-08-21 |website=Gallica |language=fr}}</ref>

'''1956''': Reached the top level of the French South-West regional football league.{{Citation needed|date=December 2021}}

'''1958''': Champion of the French South-West regional football league. Promotion to the third tier of French football.<ref>{{Cite news |last=René |first=Hégo |date=1958-05-07 |title=En deux saisons de Division Honneur, les Bleuets de Notre-Dame dignes du Championnat de France Amateur |language=fr |page=7 |work=La République des Pyrénées |url=https://archives.larepubliquedespyrenees.fr/storage/timemachine-rep-prod/high?path=data/1958/05/07/00/00/06a1da7bb0711e58b2405c0f2b19f671f68edb81dcb566ea881162204add9ccd.jpg }}</ref>

'''1959''': '''''Football Club de Pau''''' split from '''''Bleuets de Notre-Dame de Pau'''''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1960-01-14 |title=Carnet bleu & blanc |language=fr |work=La République des Pyrénées |url=https://archives.larepubliquedespyrenees.fr/storage/timemachine-rep-prod/high?path=data/1960/01/14/00/00/f022ea3c692d097bec070a969868869bc28cd2e7d40ce945a916c3b67388e28d.jpg}}</ref>

'''1995''': The club went to administration, reformed, changed their name to '''''Pau Football Club''''' and were relegated to the fourth tier of French football.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Entre le FC Pau et ses Ehpad, Bernard Laporte-Fray est sur tous les fronts |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Article/Entre-le-fc-pau-et-ses-ehpad-bernard-laporte-fray-est-sur-tous-les-fronts/1132242 |access-date=2022-07-18 |website=L'Équipe |language=fr}}</ref>

'''1998''': Champion of the Group C of the Championnat de France Amateur and promoted to the Championnat National. The club also reached the round of 16 of the [[1997–98 Coupe de France|Coupe de France]], where they lost 2–0 to [[Paris Saint-Germain F.C.|Paris Saint-Germain]].

'''2008''': Relegation to the Championnat de France Amateur.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sempé |first=Christian |date=2008-01-10 |title=Le Pau FC au bord du gouffre |language=fr |work=La République des Pyrénées |url=https://archives.larepubliquedespyrenees.fr/storage/timemachine-rep-prod/high?path=data/2008/01/10/00/00/94488403a7f1815e74a8cb428b04ff94a34a1cb01b62fdc3e39459b2f9fb527b.jpg |access-date=2008-01-10 |archive-date=2 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102140129/https://archives.larepubliquedespyrenees.fr/storage/timemachine-rep-prod/high?path=data/2008/01/10/00/00/94488403a7f1815e74a8cb428b04ff94a34a1cb01b62fdc3e39459b2f9fb527b.jpg }}</ref>

'''2016''': Promotion to the Championnat National.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-12-30 |title=Le Pau FC remonte en National |language=fr |work=La République des Pyrénées |url=https://archives.larepubliquedespyrenees.fr/storage/timemachine-rep-prod/high?path=data/2016/12/30/00/00/8b74d46b6eebcc1e471b684b6e370ef005b5035b545bd309f2ee208931c2f609.jpg}}</ref>

'''2020''': Promotion to [[Ligue 2]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Le Pau FC est le Petit Poucet de la Ligue 2: nous vous expliquons pourquoi |url=https://www.larepubliquedespyrenees.fr/sport/football/le-pau-fc-est-le-petit-poucet-de-la-ligue-2-nous-vous-expliquons-pourquoi-5210365.php |access-date=2022-07-18 |website=LaRepubliqueDesPyrenees |date=19 August 2020 |language=fr-FR}}</ref>

== Crest and colours ==
[[File:Flag of Béarn.svg|alt=Flag of Béarn|thumb|The flag of [[Béarn]]]]Pau FC unveiled its first crest upon its founding in 1959. In 1961, a new faction led by René Lanusse led to the adoption of yellow and blue colours, along with the creation of a new logo inspired by the city of Pau's coat of arms. This 1961 crest is considered the historical emblem of the club, used for 30 consecutive seasons.

Over the years, the club remained loyal to its original logo, except during the 1990s when logos featuring the Alfred de Vigny fountain were used.<ref name=":612">{{cite journal|author1=|title=Le potentiel pour monter|journal=La République des Pyrénées|date=21 August 2009|issn=0247-7807|url=https://archives.larepubliquedespyrenees.fr/storage/timemachine-rep-prod/high?path=data/2009/08/21/00/00/07405ce32ac3c90e308e4869b5afa07e54032ad5a8bed9219861c6457b4e55f9.jpg|pages=}}</ref>

In 2009, under the presidency of Joël Lopez, a new crest was introduced featuring the Crown of Henry IV and the "Bèth cèu de Pau" (Beautiful Sky of Pau) along with the Boulevard des Pyrénées and the founding year 1959.

After Bernard Laporte-Fray's return in 2011, the club changed its crest again to a more streamlined design. With the club's transition to professional status, the motto "Vaincre ou sourire" was removed from official materials.<ref name=":702">{{cite web|language=fr|title=Si j'osais: "Vaincre ou Sourire", la devise masquée du Pau FC|url=https://www.francebleu.fr/emissions/si-j-osais/bearn/si-j-osais-vaincre-ou-sourire-la-devise-masquee-du-pau-fc|website=France Bleu|access-date=2021-09-29}}</ref>

In May 2022, the club revealed a new logo to modernise its visual identity.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Ligue 2 Club Pau FC Release All-New Logo - Evokes Memories of Manchester City & Toulouse |url=https://www.footyheadlines.com/2022/06/ligue-2-club-pau-fc-release-all-new-logo-evokes-memories-of-manchester-city-toulouse.html |access-date=2022-06-28 |website=Footy Headlines}}</ref> While retaining iconic symbols such as King [[Henry IV of France|Henry IV]]'s crown, the [[Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques#Toponymy|three posts]] of the city's name, and the [[peafowl]], this new logo focus on elements representing [[Béarn]], with the [[Béarnaise cattle|cows]] and the [[Pic du Midi d'Ossau]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-13 |title=Foot: assuré de son maintien en Ligue 2, Pau dévoile son nouveau logo |url=https://www.lefigaro.fr/sports/football/ligue-1/foot-assure-de-son-maintien-en-ligue-2-pau-devoile-son-nouveau-logo-20220513 |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=Le Figaro |language=fr}}</ref> There are various references to the coat of arms of the [[Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques|city of Pau]] such as ,  that gave the city its name (''pau'' <small>{{IPA|oc|paw|}}</small> in [[Béarnese dialect|Béarnese]]) and the [[peafowl]], a clear example of [[canting arms]], as its name (''pavon'' or ''pau'' <small>{{IPA|oc|paw|}}</small> in [[Béarnese dialect|Béarnese]]) [[Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques#Heraldry|was used as an approximation]] to represent the city of Pau.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k110099x |title=Dictionnaire topographique de la France. 25, Dictionnaire topographique du département des Basses-Pyrénées / réd. par M. Paul Raymond,...; publ. par ordre du ministre de l'Instruction publique; et sous la dir. du Comité des travaux historiques et des sociétés savantes |date=1863 |language=EN}}</ref>

The new logo highlights a revised founding year of 1995, which marks the club's reformation under the name Pau Football Club following the liquidation of FC Pau.<ref name=":5">{{cite web |language=fr-FR|title=Découvrez le nouveau logo du Pau FC|url=https://www.larepubliquedespyrenees.fr/sport/football/pau-fc/football-decouvrez-le-nouveau-logo-du-pau-fc-10912633.php|website=La République des Pyrénées|date=2022-05-12|issn=0247-7807|access-date=2022-09-08|page=27}}</ref>.<gallery caption="Boulevard des Pyrénées and View of the Pyrenees">
File:Coat_of_Arms_of_Pau.svg|Coat of Arms of Pau
File:Boulevard_des_Pyrénées_and_Grand_Hotel_Gassion,_Pau,_Aquitaine,_France,_ca._1895.jpg|alt=Boulevard des Pyrénées|Boulevard des Pyrénées.
File:Fontaine_de_Vigny_Pau_4.jpg|Fontaine de Vigny, inspiration for the 1995-2008 logo
File:Vue_sur_les_Pyrénées_-_Pau.JPG|View of the Pyrenees from Pau.
File:Entre_deux_gaves_2.jpg|Pic du Midi d'Ossau, emblem of the city and the club
</gallery>

=== Colours ===
Pau FC features the colours yellow, representing the arms of [[Béarn]], and blue, reflecting the ''Bèth Cèu de Pau'' present on the arms of the province's capital.

The original colours of the ''Bleuets de Notre-Dame'' were blue and white, which the new Pau FC retained for two years following its foundation. However, following René Lanusse's takeover in 1961, the club adopted the blue and yellow colours of the city.

From 1991 to 1995, the new president [[Alain Pitoun]] reverted to the original colours of the Bleuets, sky blue and white.

These colours were abandoned in 1995 when Bernard Laporte-Fray took over the club. The club then adopted a predominantly yellow kit, including shirts, shorts, and socks, matching those of the original Football Club de Pau founded by José Bidegain.

Since then, the yellow and blue colours have remained consistent, though the shade of blue has varied from sky blue to darker hues approaching violet.

==Grounds==
{{Main|Nouste Camp}}
Since 14 September 2018, Pau FC has had its own football-specific stadium, [[Nouste Camp]]. With a seating capacity of 3,791 after renovations in 2021, Nouste Camp addresses long-standing infrastructure issues for the club and football in Pau as a whole.<ref>{{cite news |title=A Pau, on est sous-équipés |newspaper=[[La République des Pyrénées]] |date=17 April 2008 |url=http://archives.larepubliquedespyrenees.fr/media/cache/gsoi_protect/docPDF/2008/04/17/88427.jpg }}</ref> Previously, Pau FC shared the [[Stade du Hameau]] with the [[rugby union]] club [[Section Paloise]], following the abandonment of the ''Stade de l'Ousse des Bois''. This arrangement was detrimental to the club, which struggled to establish a strong presence and unify all its teams on a single site.

=== Previous Stadiums ===

==== Stade de l'Ousse des Bois ====
Pau Football Club has used several stadiums over the years, including the former Stade Pedeutour, located on the banks of the Ousse des Bois river. Renovated in the 1960s and renamed Stade de l'Ousse des Bois, this venue quickly fell into disrepair and became an unfortunate venue for the club. After the club's reformation as Pau Football Club, the team alternated between Stade du Hameau, shared with Section Paloise, and Stade de l'Ousse des Bois during a difficult period following relegation to the amateur league.

==== Stade des Bleuets ====
From 1959 to 1968, FC Pau played its home matches at Stade des Bleuets, also known as Stade de l'Avenue de Buros. Before becoming FC Pau in 1959, the senior team of Bleuets de Notre-Dame already played at this stadium.<ref>{{cite news |title=FC Pau 1959 |newspaper=La République des Pyrénées |date=12 September 1959 |url=https://archives.larepubliquedespyrenees.fr/storage/timemachine-rep-prod/high?path=data/1959/09/12/00/00/007a802cf4768e78ec579d5732733fe44f43f509ba6c4efff0eaf403df639c9d.jpg }}</ref> Stade des Bleuets, which featured two side stands, was inaugurated in 1953 and was quickly renovated for the Coupe de France matches in 1958-59.<ref name=":21">{{cite news |title=90 ans d'existence: les Bleuets résistent au temps |newspaper=La République des Pyrénées |date=15 June 2011 |url=http://www.larepubliquedespyrenees.fr/2011/06/15/les-bleuets-resistent-au-temps,198892.php }}</ref>

==== Stade du Hameau ====
[[File:Stade_du_Hameau_06-08-22.jpg|thumb|200x200px|Stade du Hameau in August 2022]]
The Stade du Hameau is the main stadium in the city of Pau. It replaced the Stade de la Croix-du-Prince and is currently used by Section Paloise. Inaugurated in 1949, it was originally a military stadium.<ref>{{cite news |title=Il y a 68 ans, quand 30 000 personnes se pressaient au stade du Hameau ! |newspaper=[[La République des Pyrénées]] |date=27 September 2017 |url=http://www.larepubliquedespyrenees.fr/2017/09/27/il-y-a-68-ans-quand-30-000-personnes-se-pressaient-au-stade-du-hameau,2184250.php }}</ref> FC Pau was the first club to move there in 1960, but it relocated to Stade de l'Ousse des Bois in 1968.<ref name=":62">{{cite news |title=Match d'ouverture au Stade du Hameau |newspaper=[[La République des Pyrénées]] |date=11 February 1960 |url=https://archives.larepubliquedespyrenees.fr/storage/timemachine-rep-prod/high?path=data/1960/02/11/00/00/ccf8c7d2ed013667900fb65e60cff00a9d1ed576583776deebb2031cd5f13e63.jpg }}</ref> 

Since Pau FC's promotion to Ligue 2, the club temporarily played at Stade du Hameau, fully renovated in 2017, while Nouste Camp was being brought up to standard.<ref>{{cite web |title=En Ligue 2, le Pau FC jouera d'abord au Hameau, puis dans son stade début 2021 |url=https://www.larepubliquedespyrenees.fr/2020/05/15/en-ligue-2-le-pau-fc-jouera-d-abord-au-hameau-puis-dans-son-stade-debut-2021,2697716.php |work=La République des Pyrénées |date=15 May 2020 }}</ref>

==== Stade de la Croix-du-Prince ====
[[File:Inauguration des Tribunes du Stade de la Croix du Prince le 05-10-1913.jpg|thumb|200x200px|Stade de la Croix-du-Prince in 1913]]
Stade de la Croix-du-Prince, built in 1910 and inaugurated in 1913, was Pau's iconic rugby stadium.<ref>{{cite web |title=L'effet du Prince |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Rugby/Article/L-effet-du-prince/723155 |work=L'Équipe |access-date=8 March 2021 }}</ref> 

FC Pau played several matches in this historic stadium, located in the heart of the popular ''Quartier du 14-Juillet''.

Before the decision to build Nouste Camp, a major renovation of Stade de la Croix-du-Prince was the preferred option of President Bernard Laporte-Fray.<ref>{{cite web |title=La Croix du Prince à Pau - France Bleu |url=https://www.francebleu.fr/emissions/ma-rue-son-nom/la-rue-la-croix-du-prince-a-pau-8885136 |work=France Bleu and France 3 |access-date=5 August 2024 }}</ref> Despite the famously intense atmosphere of this old stadium,<ref>{{cite web |title=Pau: la croix du Prince, un stade abandonné - France Bleu |url=https://www.francebleu.fr/infos/societe/pau-la-croix-du-prince-un-stade-abandonne-1549440043 |work=France Bleu and France 3 |date=6 February 2019 |access-date=5 August 2024 }}</ref> which was favoured by the STUP, renovation costs proved too high.<ref>{{cite news |title=La Croix-Du-Prince, ça nous va |newspaper=La République des Pyrénées |date=8 February 2002 |url=https://archives.larepubliquedespyrenees.fr/storage/timemachine-rep-prod/high?path=data/2000/02/08/00/00/1ab8530844e0847f44d6803c3a7da60c645e50b6454bffd2f69e7c48c4f30fd5.jpg }}</ref> The famous wooden stands were finally demolished in 2019.<ref>{{cite web |title=EN IMAGES. Stade de la Croix-du-Prince: la fin d'une époque |url=https://www.larepubliquedespyrenees.fr/sport/rugby/en-images-stade-de-la-croix-du-prince-la-fin-d-une-epoque-5137513.php |work=La République des Pyrénées |date=13 March 2019 |access-date=5 August 2024 }}</ref>

== Support ==
Pau FC is one of the prominent football clubs in [[Southern France|Southwestern France]], with a dedicated local fanbase that has grown significantly since the club's promotion to [[Ligue 2]]. The club's most significant attendance records were set at the [[Stade du Hameau]], notably during the [[2019–20 Coupe de France]] run. On 29 January 2020, Pau FC hosted [[Paris Saint-Germain F.C.]], drawing a record crowd of 16,707 spectators.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-01-29 |title=Pau FC - Paris-SG, Coupe de France, 8es de finale |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/match-direct/coupe-de-france/2019-2020/pau-psg-live/470350 |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=L'Équipe |language=fr}}</ref> This surpassed the previous record of 15,668 spectators set just a few weeks earlier, on 16 January 2020, when the club faced [[FC Girondins de Bordeaux]] in the same competition.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-01-16 |title=Pau FC - Bordeaux, Coupe de France, 16es de finale |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/match-direct/coupe-de-france/2019-2020/pau-bordeaux-live/470151 |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=L'Équipe |language=fr}}</ref>

At their new home, [[Nouste Camp]], the highest recorded attendance is 3,821 spectators, which was achieved on 2 March 2023 during the ''[[Aquitaine]] Derby'' against [[FC Girondins de Bordeaux|Bordeaux]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-03 |title=Au cœur du public très régional du derby d'Aquitaine Pau FC - Girondins de Bordeaux |url=https://www.sudouest.fr/pyrenees-atlantiques/bearn/au-coeur-du-public-tres-regional-du-derby-d-aquitaine-pau-fc-girondins-de-bordeaux-13930429.php |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=SudOuest.fr |language=fr-FR}}</ref>

== Ownership and finances ==
{| class="wikitable"
!Person / People
!Associated company
!Shares
!Ref.
|-
|[[Bernard Laporte-Fray]]
|S.A.S. Pau Football Club
|100%
|
|}

== Players ==

=== {{anchor|Current squad}}<!--Keep this as there are links to it-->First-team squad ===<!----------------------------- READ THIS NOTICE FIRST BEFORE EDITING ----------------------------------
&nbsp;– Do ''not'' add new players before his signing is OFFICIALLY announced by the club, including medical
&nbsp;– Do ''not'' remove players before their exit is officially announced by the club
&nbsp;– Do ''not'' change or add squad numbers until it is official on the club website's squad list
&nbsp;– This is Wikipedia, not a football gazette. Anything unconfirmed and unsourced will be removed ON SIGHT
&nbsp;– Vandals WILL be blessed with the {{uw-vandalism}} template. THANK YOU.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------>
{{updated|21 February 2025|<ref name="Effectif2">{{cite web |title=Effectif |date=19 July 2024|url=https://paufc.fr/ligue-2-bkt/ |access-date=19 July 2024}}</ref>}}{{Fs start}}
{{fs player|no=1|nat=SEN|pos=GK|name=[[Bingourou Kamara]]}}
{{fs player|no=2|nat=FRA|pos=DF|name=[[Thérence Koudou]]}}
{{fs player|no=3|nat=FRA|pos=DF|name=[[Joseph Kalulu]]}}
{{fs player|no=4|nat=CIV|pos=DF|name=[[Xavier Kouassi]]}}
{{fs player|no=6|nat=MRT|pos=MF|name=[[Oumar Ngom]]}}
{{fs player|no=7|nat=GLP|pos=FW|name=[[Taïryk Arconte]]}}
{{Fs player|no=8|nat=SEN|pos=MF|name=[[Joseph Lopy]]}}
{{fs player|no=9|nat=SEN|pos=FW|name=[[Pathé Mboup]]}}
{{fs player|no=10|nat=MAR|pos=FW|name=[[Khalid Boutaïb]]}}
{{fs player|no=11|nat=FRA|pos=FW|name=[[Mehdi Chahiri]]}}
{{fs player|no=12|nat=ANG|pos=DF|name=[[Jordy Gaspar]]}}
{{Fs player|no=14|nat=FRA|pos=MF|name=[[Antonin Bobichon]]}}
{{fs player|no=17|nat=FRA|pos=MF|name=[[Antoine Mille]]}}
{{fs mid}}
{{fs player|no=18|nat=GUI|pos=FW|name=[[Kandet Diawara]]|other={{small|on loan from [[Le Havre AC|Le Havre]]}}}}
{{fs player|no=19|nat=GUI|pos=DF|name=[[Ousmane Kanté]]}}
{{fs player|no=20|nat=FRA|pos=DF|name=[[Tom Gomes]]}}
{{fs player|no=21|nat=FRA|pos=MF|name=[[Steeve Beusnard]]}}
{{fs player|no=23|nat=GAB|pos=DF|name=[[Johann Obiang]]}}
{{fs player|no=24|nat=MAD|pos=DF|name=[[Kenji-Van Boto]]}}
{{fs player|no=25|nat=FRA|pos=DF|name=[[Jean Ruiz]]}}
{{fs player|no=26|nat=FRA|pos=DF|name=[[Jean Lambert Evans]]}}
{{Fs player|no=27|nat=BFA|pos=FW|name=[[Mamady Bangré]]|other={{small|on loan from [[Grenoble Foot 38|Grenoble]]}}}}
{{fs player|no=40|nat=ALG|pos=GK|name=[[Mehdi Jeannin]]}}
{{Fs player|no=77|nat=FRA|pos=GK|name=Tao Paradowski}}
{{Fs player|no=97|nat=FRA|pos=DF|name=[[Daylam Meddah]]|other={{small|on loan from [[Stade Malherbe Caen|Caen]]}}}}
{{Fs end}}

=== Out on loan ===
{{Fs start}}
{{fs player|no=|nat=FRA|pos=MF|name=[[Kyllian Gasnier]]|other={{small|at [[Valenciennes FC|Valenciennes]] until 30 June 2025}}}}
{{Fs end}}

== Coaching staff ==
{{Updated|7 August 2024}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ligue 2 2024-25 |url=https://paufc.fr/ligue-2-bkt/ |access-date=2024-09-25 |website=paufc.fr |language=fr-fr}}</ref>

=== First team ===
{| class="wikitable"
!Name
!Role
|-
|{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Nicolas Usaï]]
|Manager
|-
|{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Thibault Giresse]]<br />{{flagicon|FRA}} Nicolas Piresse
|Assistant Manager
|-
|{{flagicon|FRA}} Anthony Babikian
|Goalkeeping Coach
|-
|{{flagicon|FRA}} Pierre Lamugue
|Fitness coach
|-
|{{flagicon|FRA}} Yann Valeau
|Video analyst
|-
|{{flagicon|FRA}} Gérard Battlès
|Head of Recruitment
|}

=== Pau B ===
{| class="wikitable"
!Name
!Role
|-
|{{flagicon|FRA}} Bruno Rohart
|Head Coach
|-
|{{flagicon|FRA}} Nicolas Piresse
|Player Development Manager
|-
|{{flagicon|FRA}} Paul Étienne
|Assistant Coach
|-
|{{flagicon|FRA}} Anthony Babikian
|Goalkeeping Coach
|-
|{{flagicon|FRA}} Nicolas Oliva<br />{{flagicon|FRA}} Esteban Casas Aguilar
|Fitness coach
|-
|{{flagicon|FRA}} Thomas Vialla
|Video analyst
|}

=== Coaching history ===
{{Main|List of Pau FC managers}}

{| class="wikitable"
! scope="col" |Dates
! scope="col" |Name
! scope="col" |Notes
|-
|1959–1961
|{{flagicon|HUN}} [[Bela Herczeg]]
|
|-
|1961–1963
|{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Guy Paternotte]]
|
|-
|1963–1969
|{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Joseph Lopez]]
|
|-
|1971–1973
|{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Jacky Cornuel]]
|
|-
|1973–1975
|{{flagicon|FRA}} [[René Lanusse]]
|
|-
|1976–1980
|{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Jean-Pierre Altuzarra]]
|
|-
|1980–1981
|{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Jacques Foix]]
|
|-
|1981–1990
|{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Paul Escudé]]
|
|-
|1990–1991
|{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Robert Péré-Escamps]] / {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Marc Lévy (footballer)|Marc Lévy]]
|
|-
|1990–1991
|{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Jean Gallice]]
|
|-
|1991–1992
|{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Paul Escudé]]
|
|-
|1992–1995
|{{flagicon|SRB}} [[Slavoljub Muslin]]
|
|-
|1996–1997
|{{flagicon|FRA}} [[René Girard]]
|
|-
|1998–1999
|{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Pascal Plancque]]
|
|-
|1999–2002
|{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Joël Lopez]]
|
|-
|2002–2003
|{{flagicon|FRA}} [[William Dymant]]
|
|-
|2003–2004
|{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Jean-Marc Ferratge]]
|
|-
|2004–2006
|{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Marc Lévy (footballer)|Marc Lévy]]
|
|-
|2006–2007
|{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Jean-Luc Girard]]
|
|-
|2007–2010
|{{flagicon|FRA}} [[David Vignes]]
|
|-
|2010–2010
|{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Jacques-Olivier Paviot]]
|
|-
|2011–2012
|{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Robert Buigues]]
|
|-
|2012–2014
|{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Laurent Strzelczak]]
|
|-
|2014–2018
|{{flagicon|FRA}} [[David Vignes]]
|
|-
|2018–2019
|{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Raffaele Novelli]]
|
|-
|2019–2020
|{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Bruno Irles]]
|
|-
|2020–2023
|{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Didier Tholot]]
|
|-
|2023–
|{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Nicolas Usaï]]
|
|}
== Management ==
{{Updated|7 August 2024}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ligue 2 2024-25 |url=https://paufc.fr/ligue-2-bkt/ |access-date=2024-09-25 |website=paufc.fr |language=fr-fr}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
!Name
!Role
|-
|{{flagicon|FRA}} Bernard Laporte-Fray
|Owner
|-
|{{flagicon|FRA}} Yann Laporte-Fray
|Chairman
|-
|{{flagicon|FRA}} Luis de Sousa
|Director of Football
|-
|{{flagicon|FRA}} Maryse Fréchou
|Club Secretary
|}

== Rivalries ==
Pau FC's main rivals are [[Aviron Bayonnais FC]], [[Tarbes Pyrénées Football]] and [[Stade Montois (football)|Stade Montois]]. In the past this fixture has been marred by crowd violence.However, these rivalries have waned over time due to the sporting decline of these clubs and the rise of Pau FC.

In the 2020s, a sporting rivalry has emerged with [[FC Girondins de Bordeaux]], with local media now referring to this fixture as the ''Aquitaine Derby''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-03 |title=Pau FC - Girondins de Bordeaux: le derby d'Aquitaine en images |url=https://www.sudouest.fr/sport/football/pau-fc/pau-fc-girondins-de-bordeaux-le-derby-d-aquitaine-en-images-13931952.php |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=SudOuest.fr |language=fr-FR}}</ref>

Despite the cultural proximity to Spanish clubs across the border in [[Aragon]], [[Navarre]], or the [[Basque Country (greater region)|Basque Country]], no significant sporting rivalries have developed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-10 |title=Editorial: Continuer à renforcer nos liens |url=https://www.larepubliquedespyrenees.fr/economie/pau-canfranc/editorial-continuer-a-renforcer-nos-liens-17384150.php |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=La République des Pyrénées |language=fr-FR}}</ref>

== International links ==
In 2021, Bernard Laporte-Fray, together with [[Dado Pršo]], acquired [[Demba Diop FC]], a second-division club in [[Senegal]], located in [[M'Bour|M'bour]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-07-19 |title=Football : Bernard Laporte-Fray achète un club au Sénégal |url=https://www.larepubliquedespyrenees.fr/sport/football/ligue-2/football-bernard-laporte-fray-achete-un-club-au-senegal-4215029.php |access-date=2024-09-25 |website=LaRepubliqueDesPyrenees |language=fr-FR}}</ref>

Pau FC and SD Huesca announced in 2023 the signing of a collaboration agreement aimed at sharing expertise in club development, and the creation of a ''Pyrenees Cup''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Collaboration entre le Pau Football Club et la SD Huesca – Pau FC – Site Officiel |url=https://paufc.fr/collaboration-entre-le-pau-football-club-et-la-sd-huesca/ |access-date=2024-09-25 |website=paufc.fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Aragón |first=Heraldo de |date=2023-06-09 |title=El Huesca se sigue internacionalizando y firma un convenio con el Pau FC |url=https://www.heraldo.es/noticias/deportes/futbol/sd-huesca/2023/06/09/el-huesca-se-sigue-internacionalizando-y-firma-un-convenio-con-el-pau-fc-1657672.html |access-date=2024-09-25 |website=heraldo.es |language=es}}</ref>

== Notes ==
{{reflist|group=nb}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{Pau FC}}
{{Ligue 2}}
{{Championnat National 3 Group B}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Pau FC| ]]
[[Category:Association football clubs established in 1995]]
[[Category:Sport in Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques]]
[[Category:1995 establishments in France]]
[[Category:Football clubs in Nouvelle-Aquitaine]]