Caenone of France’s most historically significant clubs, are associated with a crisis that threatens its existence i Ligue 2. Just a few months after the Real Madrid superstar Cool mbappe Acquired a majority stake in the club, the situation on and off the pitch has spiraled out of control. With fans staging protests, a turbulent management transition and the looming threat of relegation to France’s third tier, the dream of reviving Caen has turned into a harsh reality for MBAppe and the club’s supporters.
In August 2023, the France captain made headlines when he bought an 80% stake in SM Caen for €15 million. This move, although unexpected, is driven by his desire to diversify his businesses beyond playing and investing in the future of football. Initial excitement surrounded the acquisitionwith fans recalling Mbappe’s near move to Caen as a teenager and envisioning a revitalized future for the club.
“There’s obviously a chilling effect,” said Pierre-Antoine Capton, a minority shareholder, shortly after the takeover. “We want to make the club even more professional and help it develop.”
However, optimism quickly gave way to disillusionment as the Viking’s fortunes spiraled. After a strong narrative of ambition for the season, the club’s Ligue 2 campaign began with a string of disappointing performances, leaving them fighting relegation rather than chasing promotion.
Mbappe’s mismanagement and backlash
One of the most controversial points of Mbappe’s tenure has been his handling of management changes. In December 2023, Caen parted ways Nicolas Seubea beloved figure who had served the club for over two decades. Seube’s dismissal was announced in a short five-sentence statement and sparked outrage among fans and former players.
The appointment of Bruno Baltazar as Seube’s replacement brought further discontent. Baltazar, with limited managerial experience and a dubious track record in Polish football, has failed to inspire confidence. Since his arrival, the team is yet to win a game and scored just one goal in four games.
Fan protests escalate
The frustration of Caen supporters has been palpable. At the 3 January match against Clermont, fans unveiled a series of banners aimed directly at the Real Madrid star. “Here, hard work and loyalty are the only things that make legends,” Read one. Another stated indistinctly: “Mbappe, SMC is not your toy.”
Ilaren reached a boiling point after a 1-0 loss to Guingamp this Friday, January 24. Ultrasound stormed the plane in protest, demanding accountability from players and management. The club’s refusal to meet with fans before the match further strained relations.
“Anger and fear have overtaken us,” said a statement from Malherbe Normandy Kop, one of the club’s ultra groups. “After inadequate recruitment, a responsive ownership and players who don’t seem to fight, we feel abandoned.”
As of January 2025, SM Caen sit second from bottom in Ligue 2, six points from safety. With 15 games remaining, the team faces an uphill battle to avoid relegation to the third division. The prospect of dropping to such a low level would not only be a blow to the club’s legacy but also a damning indictment of Mbappe’s management.
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