Rodez Aveyron Football (RAF) embodies a model of a solidary and well-run club in Ligue 2. This project, detailed in a report by le JDD, is built on stable leadership and a clear playing identity, assets that are paying off at the start of the 2026-2027 season where the club sits 4th in the table with 7 points.
How was RAF built?
The Aveyron-based club has seen a remarkable rise under the presidency of Pierre-Olivier Murat. A native of Rodez nicknamed "POM", he has been in charge of RAF for twenty years."structured freedom". The stated goal is simple: "to score one more goal than the opponent". This approach bore fruit last season with a 22-match unbeaten run, even though the dream of promotion to Ligue 1 ended in a penalty shootout in the playoffs at Saint-Étienne. RAF is also seen as a springboard club for players. This summer, transfers to the English second division, Greek first division, and Belgian first division brought in more than 5 million euros.
What is the club's current context?
RAF approaches the rest of the season from a position of strength. The club has scored 10 goals and conceded 7 after four matchdays, boasting a +3 goal difference. They are just two points behind the leaders, Saint-Étienne. The next challenge is an away fixture against FC Metz, 7th in the table, on September 5, 2026. Fans can follow the standings race on our standings page. The current squad, led by defender and captain Raphaël Lipinski and Swiss defender Mathis Magnin, also relies on striker Ibrahima Baldé, formerly of Lens, who has scored five goals in four matches. The team lineup can be viewed on our squad page.
What's next for the Rodez project?
The infrastructure symbolizes this long-term ambition. The Stade Paul-Lignon, with a capacity of 6,500 recently renovated and expanded, draws inspiration from the brutalist spirit of the nearby Soulages museum. The club's budget, at 7.7 million euros, remains 16th out of 18 in Ligue 2, but rigorous management makes the difference. As Jean-Michel Aulas noted, "there is a solidarity in Rodez that you don't find everywhere. RAF is a fine success." Patience is a local virtue, illustrated by a phrase from Didier Santini: "Here, when the car in front doesn't move at a green light, you don't honk. For all you know, it's the club's main sponsor." The club aims for continuity, with an eye on stats to refine performance, and intends to turn its strong start into a complete season.
