AC Ajaccio

                                         

AC Ajaccio is a French football club founded in 1910, based in Ajaccio, Corsica. The club competes in Ligue 2, the second division of French football. Over its history, the team has moved between Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, having a passionate local fan base and a strong rivalry with SC Bastia, another Corsican team.

History and Trophies

AC Ajaccio’s historical journey has been marked by their resilience and local support. They won the Ligue 2 championship in 1967, earning promotion to Ligue 1 for the first time. In more recent years, they were promoted to the top flight in 2011 and competed in Ligue 1 until 2014. Although the club has yet to win a major French trophy like the Coupe de France, their success in the lower leagues has allowed them to consistently challenge for higher competition.

Despite not securing major titles, Ajaccio’s consistency in the top divisions has kept them among the notable French clubs.

Key Players and Coaches

Over the years, several key figures have played a crucial role in Ajaccio’s success:

• Olivier Pantaloni, the club’s long-standing coach, has been instrumental in stabilizing the team during his many tenures, especially their most recent promotion campaigns.
• Frédéric Sammaritano, a talented midfielder, helped the club during its more recent Ligue 1 stays.
• Benjamin Leroy, a standout goalkeeper, has been vital in ensuring Ajaccio's strong defensive performances in recent seasons.

Best Performances

Domestically, AC Ajaccio's most significant achievements include their multiple promotions to Ligue 1 and their sustained performances in the Coupe de la Ligue. Their best top-flight finishes have seen them avoid relegation for several seasons during the 2010s.

Internationally, AC Ajaccio has not yet made a significant impact, with most of their focus being on French domestic competitions.

Current Status

As of 2023, AC Ajaccio is competing in Ligue 2, following their relegation from Ligue 1 in 2022. The club continues to aim for a return to the top flight while nurturing young talent from Corsica and beyond.

Stadium

The team plays its home matches at the Stade François Coty, located in Ajaccio, with a capacity of around 10,446 spectators. It has been the venue for many memorable matches and is known for its passionate atmosphere.

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