AS Jeunesse d'Esch

RTL Today has for some reason decided to assign the new intern (me) the task of outlining the accomplishments of every club playing in Luxembourg's top football league. It is a journey that will take us through 16 clubs and to every corner of this little country.

Today we head down to Luxembourg's second city of Esch-sur-Alzette to spotlight the historic achievements of AS Jeunesse d'Esch.

History

AS Jeunesse d'Esch was founded in 1907 under the name Jeunesse la Frontière d'Esch due to the club's proximity to the French border. The current name was first used in 1918, though it was briefly abandoned during German occupation of Luxembourg in World War II, when the club was known as SV Schwarz-Weiß 07 Esch. The proper name was restored after the country was liberated from Nazi control in 1944.

Prior to the war the club had won its first two national titles, but the postwar years saw Jeunesse kick things into overdrive. The club won four titles in the 1950s and four more in the 60s. They became even more dominant in the 70s, winning five straight from 1973 to 1977. Things kept rolling into the late century, with five more titles in the 80s and another streak of five in a row from 1995 to 1999.

It was not until the new millennium that Jeunesse's dominance began to taper off, as they have added just two more titles in 2004 and 2010. They are still routine finishers in the higher reaches of the table, though they finished mid-table last season and look set to do the same this year. This is Jeunesse's 73rd consecutive season in the top flight.

Accomplishments

Jeunesse are officially Luxembourg's most decorated club, having won a record 28 National Division titles and 13 Coupe du Luxembourg trophies for a total of 41 top-level honours. As a result of their league titles tallying over 20, Jeunesse are the only club in Luxembourg entitled to wear two stars on their jersey, and are two titles away from earning a third.

The club have played in European competition over 30 times over the years. Their most memorable results include reaching the Round of 16 in the European Cup twice in 1960 and 1964 and holding a draw at home against Liverpool in 1974. Their most recent outing in Europe was in 2019-20 UEFA Europa League qualifying when they managed to beat Kazakh side Tobol on away goals but lost to Portuguese team Vitória Guimarães 5-0 on aggregate.

Stadium

Jeunesse play at the Stade de la Frontière, which has the highest capacity of any stadium we have covered so far at 4,000. The stadium has seating on both sides of the pitch, though only one side is covered by a roof.

This Season

Jeunesse have had a disappointing season by their standards, as they sit right in the middle of the table in 8th place. Their form was in a bad state early in the season, but they have fared decently well in the new year. As a result, they are officially safe from any relegation danger, but do not have much hope of moving up, as they are five points behind 7th place.

The club have been lead this season by veteran Nigerien striker Moussa Maâzou, who has scored 9 goals. Maâzou has played all over the world for clubs as recognizable as Monaco and Bordeaux in the past, and this season is his first in Luxembourgish football. French left winger Bryan Nouvier is second with 6 goals, and Senegalese winter signing Moussa Seydi has impressed with 4 goals in just 10 games.

For more information, visit the club's website.