Founded as a football section in 1894 (parent sports club est. 1884), Le Havre are one of France's oldest football clubs, based in the Norman port city. They were the first club outside Paris to win the French championship (1899).

After years in the lower leagues, Le Havre won Ligue 2 in 2022-23, achieving promotion to Ligue 1 after 14 years. The club is also renowned as a talent factory, having produced Benjamin Mendy, Riyad Mahrez, and Paul Pogba among many others.

Opened in 2012, Stade Oceane is Normandy's largest stadium with a 25,000 capacity for football. Its modern design has become a landmark in the port city.