The 1999-00 campaign delivered a spectacular and triumphant return to the top flight for Saint-Étienne as Les Verts secured a respectable 6th-place finish in Division 1. Leading the charge was the clinical Brazilian forward Alex Dias, whose crucial 15 goals proved decisive in a season built on attacking flair and thrilling performances. It was a memorable year that saw the club firmly re-establish themselves in the elite, providing the foundation for a new era and featuring iconic wins like the 5-1 demolition of rivals Marseille and the dramatic 5-4 victory over Montpellier.