Stade Malherbe Caen, commonly known as Caen, is a French professional football club based in the city of Caen, Normandy. Currently competing in the Championnat National, the third tier of French football, the club plays its home matches at the Stade Michel d'Ornano. Founded in 1913, the club is identified by its red and blue stripes. Caen's history is one of resilience, characterized by promotions to and relegations from Ligue 1. Their peak era included several sustained spells in the top flight, most notably in the 1990s and again in the 2010s, where they played attractive football and developed talents like N'Golo Kanté. The 2021-22 season ended in a painful relegation from Ligue 2, placing them in the National. The modern era is thus a fight for redemption. The club enjoys strong local support, with a passionate fanbase known for creating a vibrant atmosphere. Caen is a classic French provincial club, now focused on climbing back to the professional leagues.