Southampton Football Club, known as “The Saints”, is a professional football club based in Hampshire. Founded in 1885 by members of St. Mary’s Church’s Young Men’s Association, the club retains strong church-based roots, reflected in its nickname. The club turned professional in the 1890s, joining the Southern League and later, in 1920, becoming a founding member of the Football League’s Third Division. Southampton play in red and white shirts, with their home since 2001 being St Mary’s Stadium, which seats over 32,000 fans.

Their most significant achievement is winning the FA Cup in 1976, defeating Manchester United. Southampton has spent the majority of its history in England’s top two divisions, enjoying spells in the Premier League and developing a strong reputation for nurturing talented players. Notable figures include Matt Le Tissier and Alan Shearer, and managers such as Lawrie McMenemy and Mauricio Pochettino. The club maintains a fierce rivalry with Portsmouth, known as the South Coast derby.