If you follow North African football, you’ve probably heard the name ES Tunis. Also called Espérance Sportive de Tunis, the club is one of the biggest forces in Tunisian Ligue 1 and a regular contender in continental competitions. In plain English, they’re the team that fills the Stade Olympique de Rades with chants, bright red shirts and a lot of ambition.
Last season the club finished second in the league, just a few points behind the champions. Their defence was solid, conceding only 22 goals in 30 matches, while the attack produced 45 strikes. That mix of tight back‑line work and quick counter‑attacks made them a tough opponent for anyone.
Right now the team is gearing up for the new African Champions League group stage. The first three games are at home, so fans can expect a packed stadium and a lot of pressure on the players to start strong. Winning those matches usually sets the tone for a deep run in the tournament.
Founded in 1919, ES Tunis has collected more than 30 league titles, eight Tunisian Cups and five African Club Championships. Their most famous era was the early 2000s, when they won back‑to‑back CAF Champions League titles in 2006 and 2007. Those victories put Tunisian football on the map and gave the club a reputation for producing talent that later moves to Europe.
The club’s youth academy is a big part of that success story. Players like Youssef Msakni and Hamdi Nagguez started in the academy before becoming stars for the national team. The academy still feeds the senior squad, which is why you’ll see several home‑grown names in the starting eleven.
Coach John Smith (yes, the British tactician who took over last summer) prefers a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation. The back four is anchored by veteran centre‑back Ali Ben‑Saïd, while two holding midfielders protect the defence and link up with the attack. The creative hub is usually occupied by Saïd Khalifa, whose dribbling and vision often unlock tight games.
Up front, the club relies on the pace of forward Youssef El‑Mansouri. He’s the top scorer this season with 12 goals in 15 league matches. If he stays fit, he can be the difference between a narrow win and a draw.
Looking ahead, the next three fixtures are crucial. First, a home clash against CS Sfaxien – a traditional rival – where a win could close the gap on the league leaders. Then, two Champions League games against Al Ahly (Egypt) and TP Mbarek (Morocco). Both opponents are strong defensively, so ES Tunis will need to be clinical in front of goal.
For fans, the best way to stay updated is to follow the club’s official social channels and watch the live streams on the national broadcaster. The team’s line‑ups are usually announced an hour before kickoff, which gives you time to plan your viewing or match‑day travel.
Bottom line: ES Tunis is a club with a rich history, a solid current squad and a clear set of goals for the season. Whether you’re a lifelong supporter or just curious about Tunisian football, keeping an eye on their league run and Champions League performance will give you plenty of excitement this year.
Chelsea are on thin ice ahead of their Club World Cup Group D clash with ES Tunis in Philadelphia. After a damaging loss to Flamengo, they desperately need a win to stay in the race, while ES Tunis, coming off a surprise victory over LAFC, look to keep their momentum alive and push for a knockout spot. Young players and tactical battles could shape this high-stakes contest.
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