In its inaugural professional match, Nantes defeated CA Paris 2–0 at the Stade Olympique de Colombes. However, their first home game resulted in a 2–0 loss against Troyes.

Football Club de Nantes was founded on April 21, 1943, during World War II, through the merging of local clubs in Nantes. This consolidation aimed to create a stronger, unified football entity within the city.

After winning the Western Region championship, the club turned professional and began competing in the second division.

Facing potential relegation, the club narrowly avoided it during the final game of the season, highlighting the challenges faced in maintaining their position in the division.

Under coach José Arribas, the team's style of play was revolutionized, emphasizing team-based tactics and an attack-oriented approach, moving away from individual play.

Nantes secured its first French championship, marking a significant milestone in the club's history. Jacky Simon, the team's star striker, not only became the league's top goalscorer but also earned his first international cap, adding to the club's prestige.

Nantes won the league again, showcasing their dominance in French football. Their strong performance was characterized by the best defense, conceding only 36 goals, and the best attack, scoring 84 goals. Philippe Gondet finished the season as the league's top goalscorer with 36 goals in 37 games.

Nantes reached the French Cup final but was defeated by Saint-Étienne with a score of 5–0.

Nantes secured another league title, marking a resurgence in their performance. However, they also faced disappointment in the French Cup final, losing to Lyon.

After 13 years, José Arribas and FC Nantes parted ways.

Under Jean Vincent, Nantes won the league for the fourth time, continuing their tradition of success.

The club inaugurated La Jonelière, a state-of-the-art training complex, which was the most advanced in France at the time. It was later renamed José Arribas Sporting Centre.

Jean-Claude Suaudeau's promotion to assistant manager saw the club win the French Cup for the first time, despite finishing second in the league. They also reached the semi-finals of the Cup Winners Cup competition, losing to Valencia.

Playing in their new stadium, La Beaujoire, built for the 1984 Euro competition, Nantes won the league title. However, they missed out on the double after losing the French Cup final to Paris Saint-Germain.

FC Nantes played at Stade Marcel Saupin from 1937 until they moved to their current home ground Stade de la Beaujoire.

FC Nantes was nearly demoted due to financial difficulties, highlighting a period of instability for the club.

After a brief period in the second division due to an administrative decision, FC Nantes was renamed FC Nantes Atlantique and returned to the first division.

Nantes won the French league, marking a significant achievement with ten 3–0 victories at home during the season.

Nantes reached the semi-finals of the European Cup, narrowly missing out on eliminating Juventus after a strong performance at home.

The club won two French Cups in a row, showcasing the strength of their academy players.

Nantes finished last in the league and were relegated, ending their 44 consecutive seasons in the top division. This triggered protests from fans.

Businessman Waldemar Kita purchased the club.

The club was promoted back to the top division.

Nantes was relegated again after only one season in Ligue 1.

Michel Der Zakarian led the club to promotion from Ligue 2.

The team reached the semi-finals of the Coupe de la Ligue, losing to PSG.

The Nantes Metropolitan Council refused to sell lands needed for development of the site, leading to abandonment of the 'YelloPark' stadium project.

Antoine Kombouaré was hired to manage 18th-placed Nantes.

Nantes won their fourth Coupe de France with a 1–0 victory over Nice, marking their first honour since 2001.

Nantes avoided relegation on the final day of the campaign by defeating Angers 1–0.