Was six times Girondins Bordeaux French champions, now a new chapter is beginning for the traditional club. Because of financial problems, Bordeaux was forced into the sixth division in the summer, and now the club has been sold to a new owner – for just one (symbolic) euro.
It seems cheap, but only at first glance. Because: The new owner, the US investment fund Park Benchalso had to take on the debts. They are estimated at up to 18 million euros. In plain language: Park Bench has to spend millions to renovate the club.
Gérard Lopez, the club’s previous owner, is giving up all of his shares. The commercial court in Bordeaux still has to approve the takeover.
Girondins looks back on a glorious past. Football greats like Zinédine Zidane (54), Bixente Lizarazu (56) and Johan Micoud (52) once played for the club from the south of France. But then the crash came. In 2024, the club gave up its professional status due to financial hardship and was moved to the 4th league. Due to further payment gaps, things went further down to league six in July 2026.
Restart in the 6th league
Now Girondins is preparing for the restart in the sixth-tier Régional 1 (first game of the season on October 17th). The former Bordeaux professional could help Benoit Trémoulinas (40). The left-back comes from the Bordeaux youth team and was part of the 2009 championship team. He actually ended his career seven years ago. Now he offered his services to the club management – he would not ask for any money in return.