The last championship of the “war” marked the history of FC Rouen with its first and only French Premier Division title. From the start of the season, the Diables Rouges battled it out with Lille at the top of the table, sharing first place for several weeks.
In 1945, thanks to a draw with Reims and Lille’s defeat by Valenciennes, Rouen took sole possession of the lead. On May 20, 1945, FCR became champions of the Zone Nord after beating Valenciennes. A month later, in the final in Colombes, Rouen faced Lyon Olympique Universitaire, champions of the Southern Zone.
The match was a one-way affair. Thanks to two doubles from Mandaluniz and Jacques, Rouen won comfortably 4-0, clinching their first French championship title.