History | Espérance sportive de tunis

Club founded (1919)

Mohamed Zouaoui, whose family originated from Kabylia in Algeria, and Hedi Kallel founded the club in a café located on Mustapha Mbarek Street, known as the “Café de l’Espérance.” Inspired by the cafe’s name, they gave it to the newly formed club.

Due to colonial regulations prohibiting the granting of association licenses to Tunisians, the founders were compelled to appoint Louis Montassier as the first president. He held the position for six months before being succeeded by the late Mohamed Malki.

Espérance was officially registered on January 15, 1919. The club’s original colors were green and white. Under the presidency of the late Chedly Zouiten, the club adopted its iconic red and yellow colors. Over the years, several prominent national figures took turns leading the club and serving on its executive board.

The club’s popularity grew steadily, especially during the struggle for national independence, gaining a passionate and expanding fanbase.

Following Tunisia’s independence in 1956, Espérance quickly established itself as the country’s leading club, winning the Tunisian Football Championship in 1959 and 1960, and the Tunisian Cup in 1957. Notably, the club’s very first championship title dates back to 1942.

Espérance’s leadership extended beyond football with the creation of multiple new sections in both team sports (handball, volleyball, basketball, rugby) and individual disciplines (wrestling, boxing, judo, swimming, cycling, fencing, and more). This dominance is clearly reflected in the club’s outstanding record of achievements at both the national and international levels across all categories.