Robert Diochon

Robert Gabriel Diochon (9 June 1883 – 14 September 1953) was a French footballer who is widely regarded as one of the most important figures of FC Rouen, being one of its co-founders in 1899, and then serving the club as a player, captain, and as its president from 1906 to 1907, and from 1908 to 1953. The club's stadium now bears his name.

Early and personal life Robert Diochon was born on 9 June 1883 in Fougères, Ille-et-Vilaine, as the fourth child and third son of Louis Diochon (1844–1907) and Aline Gabrielle Chenet (1850–?).

During the First World War, Diochon was mobilized in the 160th Infantry Regiment, being later moved to the 11th Artillery Regiment and then to the 84th Artillery Regiment. In 1932, the club was invited to participate in the inaugural edition of the French professional championship, but President Diochon declined the invitation on 14 March 1932 because he viewed this development with suspicion.

Under his leadership, Rouen became a professional club in 1934, and then achieved promotion to the First Division in 1936.

Death Diochon died in Rouen on 14 September 1953, at the age of 70. Following his death, the Stade des Bruyères, where FC Rouen had played since 1913, was renamed as Stade Robert-Diochon in his honor.