RC Lens pays tribute to Marc-Vivien Foé: here are the reasons | OneFootball

RC Lens

For the first time this Saturday, November 22, 2025, RC Lens organized an initiative intended to become a tradition, dedicated to supporters and former players who have passed away, including Cameroonian Marc-Vivien Foé and Senegalese Papa Bouba Diop.

Among the icons honored this Saturday by RC Lens was Marc-Vivien Foé, a legendary figure at the northern club between 1994 and 1999, who tragically passed away during the 2003 Confederations Cup. His number 17 jersey, which has been retired for over twenty years, has not been worn since. The shirt was hung in the dressing room, then placed behind the Strasbourg goal to be raised in celebration if Lens scored. When young Burkinabe Ismaëlo Ganiou found the net in the 69th minute, the entire Sang et Or squad rushed toward this iconic jersey.

"It was planned: if we scored, we would pay tribute to him. Wearing his number would have been too heavy a burden, but we were determined to honor his memory," explained Adrien Thomasson. Marc-Vivien Foé played 103 matches for Lens, showcasing his talent and charisma before moving on to West Ham.