Stade Rennais Football Club, commonly known simply as Stade Rennais or Rennes is a French football club based in the city of Rennes. They currently feature in the French Ligue 1. Stade Rennes were established on March 10, 1901 as Stade Rennais Universite Club by former students from Rennes. They played their first match against FC Rennais and lost it 6-0.

In 1902 Rennes were acquired the “Omnisport” status and became part of the USFSA. They became a founding member of the Brittany Football League in 1903 and won the competition too. On May 4, 1904 Stade Rennais and FC Rennais merged to form Stade Rennais Universite Club.

Rennes established themselves as a considerable force in French football in the subsequent years. They won the Upper Britanny League in 1918 and the Allies Cup in 1916 and 1917.

In 1924 they mergd with Rennes Etudiant-Club but retained their name. They retired from the Western Division in 1929 and for the next three years played only friendly games.

In 1932 the FFF founded the French professional football league and Rennes were eventually accepted to participate in the first season. They finished sixth that season.

When World War II commenced, Rennes reverted to their amateur status and then in 1941, they took part in the Occupied Area Division of the French League, but finished a disappointing 7th out of 9. The following season confirmed Rennes low level with a 14th position out of 16 in the North Zone Division.

They then went into a decline. In 1991-1992 they were relegated from the top flight but returned soon to the first division. In 1998 Breton billionaire Francois Pinault bought the team and brought stability to the club.The club finished fourth in the 2004-2005 Ligue 1 campaign and seventh in the 2005-2006 season.

Rennes play their home matches at the Route de Lorient that can accomodate 31,127 spectators. They bear the nickname Les Rouges et Noirs.