Finalist in the Coupe de France and quarter-finalist in the Champions League: HBC Nantes confirms its place among the best French clubs, even without the first star. Analysis of a season that is mixed but promising for the future.
HBC Nantes did not win the first star, a symbolic title awarded to the best French handball club over the entire season. However, the Canaries confirmed their status as a force majeure by reaching the final of the Coupe de France and the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Their European career, marked by victories against giants like Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona, revealed a tactical maturity rare for a French club.
In the championship, on the other hand, the results were more irregular, with checkered performances which partly explain the lack of national recognition. This season has also highlighted the evolution of French handball, where clubs like Nantes are gaining in competitiveness against the traditional favorites. The Canaries have proven that they can compete with the best, even without winning the supreme title.
Their journey in the Champions League, punctuated by success against higher ranked teams, has strengthened their reputation on the international scene. Yet the persistent gap between European ambitions and league results highlights the structural challenges that remain for the club to overcome. Their European campaign also revealed a strong trend: French clubs, often underfunded compared to their European counterparts, compensate with superior tactical organization and team cohesion.
Nantes has been able to exploit the weaknesses of behemoths like PSG or Barcelona, proving that French handball can produce formidable teams on the continental scene. This collective performance redefined expectations for the seasons to come, even if the national title eluded them. The absence of a first star should not obscure the essential: Nantes has built a club identity capable of standing up to the best, with a base of players trained at the club or from local sectors.
This season marks a turning point in the professionalization of French handball, where consistency in the championship remains the last obstacle to overcome to claim the supreme title. The club now has the tools to aim higher, but will have to reconcile European ambition and national requirements. Grégory Cojean, emblematic captain, recognized the disappointment of not obtaining the first star, while welcoming the collective commitment.
His leadership was a pillar in key moments, especially during European matches where the pressure was maximum. Supporters, accustomed to seasons full of promise, can now rely on a solid foundation to build the future. The next few weeks will be crucial to consolidate the achievements and prepare for the future, with a squad which has shown that it has the level to aim higher.
The club is now counting on the end of the season to stabilize its performances and approach the next campaign with ambition. The lessons learned from this European campaign and the tactical adjustments made along the way will serve as a basis for the challenges to come. Nantes proved that it could play in the big leagues, even without a trophy upon arrival.
What to do next: the club will analyze its performance in detail to fill the identified gaps, particularly in the league, and prepare a targeted transfer window. Read at Ouest-France Sport
HBC Nantes missed out on the first star but confirmed its place among the best French and European clubs. His campaign in the Champions League, punctuated by victories against favorites, redefines expectations for French handball. The club now illustrates the rise in power of French structures, capable of competing with historic behemoths. This season marks a turning point, even without a title, and lays the foundations for a lasting ambition. The Canaries have also proven that French handball can do without huge budgets to shine in Europe, provided they have impeccable organization and flawless cohesion.
Ouest-France Sportouest-france.frJun 8, 10:17 PMfr
Bayern Munich unveils new kit for PSG semi-final. Fresh strip signals intensity for heavyweight Champions League knockout.
The 2026-2027 home kit of Bayern will make its debut on Wednesday, in the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals.
UEFA entrusts the Portuguese with a hot semi-final second leg, with Paris ahead 5-4 before Munich.
Paris Saint-Germain launches a premium line with Stanley that transforms fan culture into everyday objects.
How track-specific factors at Michigan International Speedway turn tire wear and qualifying into non-negotiable race-defining variables for the FireKeepers Casino 400.
Ace Tarik Skubal and veterans Justin Verlander and Casey Mize could reshape Detroit's rotation.
The star wide receiver publicly asks for his release as a warrant adds pressure to an already tense standoff.
A dramatic final putt secures her first U.S. Women's Open title and second straight major.
Calvin Ridley joined the Titans' OTAs Monday, a key step in his leg‑injury recovery and a boost for a struggling offense.
Blue Jays move Spencer Miles to bullpen as part of strategic pitching adjustments under manager John Schneider.
Alistair Johnston shares his emotional journey as Canada co-hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting the pride of playing at home.
Fabian Hurzeler commits to Brighton for an extended period.
FC Nantes welcomes back Michel Der Zakarian as head coach, aiming to revive their fortunes in Ligue 1.
A muscle bundle tear sidelines rising star Lennart Karl, prompting Bayern to reassess their strategy ahead of a crucial period.
Scaloni tested his star lineup in Auburn with Messi as starter for the friendly against Iceland, the last test before the 2026 World Cup.
The Blues coach highlights the importance of the Bayern Munich player for the World Cup
The president of Real Madrid faces a stalled referendum, a million-dollar signing and a judicial offensive against Barça while he manages the Bernabéu.
RONALD KOEMAN IS CLEARLY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE WAY ARSENAL HAS DEALED WITH JURRIËN TIMBER. THE DEFENDERS INJURED HIM FROM THE WORLD PKO, AND THE FEDERATION COACH POINTS THE FINGER AT THE LONDON CLUB.
Alistair Johnston shares his emotional journey as Canada co-hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting the pride of playing at home.
FC Nantes welcomes back Michel Der Zakarian as head coach, aiming to revive their fortunes in Ligue 1.
A muscle bundle tear sidelines rising star Lennart Karl, prompting Bayern to reassess their strategy ahead of a crucial period.
La Roja's attacking duo set to ignite the tournament with fresh legs and electric pace.
