Denis Le Saint is a quiet man, not one to show off. He has earned respect in business and football through hard work. Recently, though, he allowed himself to enjoy a special moment.
“It’s exceptional, extraordinary,” he shared on French television, excitement shining in his eyes. “It’s like we have climbed Mont Blanc.”
This was in August, right before the Champions League draw in Monaco. It was his first time at such an event. Back in May 2016, when he took over as president of Stade Brestois 29, he probably never imagined this would happen.
When he stepped into the role, Brest was in Ligue 2, the second tier of French football. They had been there as recently as 2019. Last season, they finished third in Ligue 1, earning their first-ever spot in European competition. Le Saint has every right to be proud.
The journey isn’t just about reaching Europe; Brest has surprised everyone in the Champions League. They won four out of seven matches, securing their place in the knockout round. They’re ahead of big clubs like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in the standings. Tonight, if they beat the reigning champions Madrid at home, they have a chance to finish in the top eight and go straight to the round of 16.
Brest’s rise is remarkable given its past. The club only played top-flight football for the first time in 1979. In 1991, Brest faced financial collapse and had to pause operations for 13 years, dropping to amateur levels between 1997 and 2000. During that time, while Real Madrid claimed two Champions League titles, Brest played against small village teams.
Their transformation from that dire situation to competing in the Champions League feels almost miraculous.
Now, as Real Madrid visits Brittany, the size of the gap between them is startling. Madrid is the richest football club in the world, with revenues exceeding €1 billion. Brest, on the other hand, has a budget of around €50 million, making it one of the smallest in Ligue 1.
Madrid has a renovated stadium that holds 78,000 seats and cost over €1 billion. Brest plays in the much smaller Stade Francis-Le Ble, with just 15,000 seats. Due to UEFA regulations, they play home games in Guingamp, an hour away.
Comparing player value is telling, too. Brest’s squad is worth about €120 million, while Madrid’s is estimated to be over ten times that. The combined international caps for Brest players are just 82—less than what stars like Luka Modric or Thibaut Courtois have individually.
Yet, Brest has proven they can hold their own against larger clubs. They’ve drawn with Bayer Leverkusen and defeated PSV. The spirit of the club reflects the “underdog” mentality, where they embody the little guy triumphing against giants.
This determination is felt by everyone involved, especially Le Saint, who also runs a vegetable distribution business. Though he took over during a challenging period, he focused on improving facilities, like finding better training grounds for his players. His leadership brought professionalism while maintaining a community feel.
Many of the club’s current figures have roots in Brest. For example, captain Brendan Chardonnet grew up nearby. The close connection to their city, which was rebuilt after World War II, shapes the club’s identity and resilience.
Much of Brest’s recent success can be traced back to Eric Roy’s appointment as manager in January 2023. His previous coaching experience was limited, but he quickly established himself. Le Saint and Roy shared a vision of building a strong team spirit, and their hard work paid off, leading Brest to its best-ever finish in Ligue 1 last season.
Despite a few setbacks this season with key player departures and injuries, the team has continued to grow in confidence. This Champions League experience, although challenging, has been filled with pride and achievement. Captain Chardonnet expressed their determination after a crucial win, stating, “We deserve to be here and we’re giving it everything.”
Overall, this season has been a remarkable journey for Brest, and as they prepare to face Real Madrid, the players and fans have much to celebrate. The excitement is palpable, and the hope is that this experience is just the beginning of their story in European football.
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Real Madrid, Champions League, La Liga, Ligue 1, Premier League, Soccer
