US Thionville Lusitanos Achieve Fourth Promotion in Five Years, Ascend to Ligue 3

US Thionville Lusitanos have confirmed their promotion to Ligue 3, marking their fourth ascent in just five years. This achievement sees the club rise from Régional 2 to the newly established Ligue 3, which will replace the National division starting next season.

The club, based in the Moselle department of eastern France, is managed by Julien François. Under his leadership, the team has experienced a meteoric rise through the French football league system. Having already secured the National 2 Group B championship, Thionville Lusitanos are set to compete in Ligue 3, a significant step up in competition and visibility.

This promotion is particularly notable given the club's history. Thionville had been absent from the higher tiers of French football for approximately four decades, with their last spell in the second division occurring between 1979 and 1981. The current project began in 2021 following the merger of two local clubs, Thionville FC and Thionville AS Portugais Saint-François, both competing in Régional 2 at the time. This strategic fusion aimed to build a stronger club capable of competing at the national level.

Coach Julien François, 46, has expressed pride in the club's progress, describing the promotion as a "beautiful story" and emphasizing the increased visibility it brings to the club's efforts over recent years. He also highlighted the ambition behind the project, which was supported by the local mayor with the goal of reestablishing Thionville as a significant football presence. François noted that the club’s size, metropolitan area, and economic environment make it well-suited to compete in the 18-team Ligue 3.

Looking ahead, US Thionville Lusitanos will prepare to face new challenges in Ligue 3, where they will encounter a higher level of competition and greater exposure. The club’s continued development and adaptation to this league will be closely watched, as they aim to consolidate their position and build on their recent successes. The next steps will likely involve strengthening the squad and infrastructure to sustain their place in the national tiers of French football.