Lens ended a 27-year wait for a major trophy by defeating Nice in the Coupe de France final, and midfielder Adrien Thomasson described it as a dream ending to his time at the club. The victory at the Stade de France secured the club's first piece of silverware since the 1997-98 Ligue 1 title, and Thomasson's post-match emotions reflected both personal and collective achievement.
The 30-year-old, who is set to depart Lens this summer, revealed that the prospect of leaving with a trophy influenced his final decision. "I know the luck I had to belong to this club, I dreamed of this end," he told reporters. "Honestly, that also weighed in my final choice, having the possibility to leave with a trophy won." His words underscored the significance of the victory not just for the club but for his own legacy.
Lens last won the Coupe de France in 1998, a season that also brought the league title. Since then, the club had endured financial struggles, relegation, and a long climb back to prominence. This triumph under Franck Haise marks the culmination of a project that has seen Lens re-establish itself among France's elite, blending smart recruitment with an aggressive style.
The path to the final was unexpectedly opened when holders Paris Saint-Germain suffered a stunning round-of-32 exit against Paris FC. Thomasson admitted that elimination planted the seed of belief. "From the moment we beat Lyon in the quarter-finals, I told myself it couldn't escape us," he said. "I didn't want to say it too much in the days before this final, but I was convinced we were going to win."
That conviction was built on a resilient campaign. Lens navigated ties against lower-league opposition before the quarter-final clash with Lyon, which ended in a 2-1 victory. The semi-final saw them overcome Nantes, setting up a final against Nice, who themselves were chasing a first major trophy in decades. The final proved a tense affair, but Lens's experience and composure made the difference.
Thomasson, a versatile midfielder, played a key role throughout the run. His technical ability and work rate provided balance in a side known for its high-pressing game. While he hasn't been an ever-present, his contributions in crucial moments—including a goal in the earlier rounds—cemented his place in club folklore. His exit this summer now carries a poetic final chapter.
He reflected on the collective achievement: "We wrote the club's history." Those words capture the sentiment of a group that has elevated Lens from Ligue 2 to European qualification and now silverware. For a club with a passionate fanbase in the north, this victory resonates beyond the trophy cabinet—it's a validation of the modern Lens identity.
The Coupe de France victory also carries wider implications. It secures European qualification for next season (Europa League group stage), offering additional revenue and pulling power in the transfer market. For Haise's squad, it provides a tangible reward for years of progress and a template for further success. The challenge now is to build on this momentum and compete on multiple fronts.
Thomasson's personal story adds a layer of poignancy. Having joined from Strasbourg in 2023, he quickly adapted to Lens's system. His decision to move on—reportedly to a foreign club—was already made, but he delayed any announcement to savour the moment. "I only have one desire, to enjoy these last hours with my teammates, with the staff, with all the people, the directors," he said. That mix of joy and imminent farewell highlights the transient nature of football.
The final itself was a tight contest. Lens, wearing their traditional yellow and red, controlled large spells but had to withstand Nice's late pressure. The decisive goal came from a set-piece, sparking wild celebrations. Thomasson was substituted late on to a standing ovation, a moment that brought him to tears. For Lens supporters, it was a night to remember—a return to the glory days.
Looking ahead, the club must now manage the departure of key figures, including Thomasson and possibly others. The recruitment team faces a test to replace his experience and versatility. But the core of this team remains intact, and the taste of success may convince others to stay. Lens has shown that with clear vision, even modest budgets can challenge the established order.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.
