The 2020-21 campaign was a glorious return to the elite for RC Lens, as Les Sang et Or, newly promoted and under the innovative management of Franck Haise, soared to a spectacular 7th-place finish in their first season back in Ligue 1. Spearheading this triumphant return was the homecoming hero Gaël Kakuta, whose 11 goals and 5 assists proved utterly vital, with his penalty prowess anchoring a confident and high-intensity attacking unit. The season, built on grit and an exciting, free-flowing style of football, showcased the emergence of dynamic talents like Jonathan Clauss. This unexpected high finish, which came agonisingly close to European qualification, remains a defining chapter that truly marked the club's re-establishment as a formidable and respected force in the French top flight.