The club was formed in 1899 and currently plays in Championnat National, the third level of French football.

Rouen have also reached European level, competing in the 1969–70 edition of the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, where the team was defeated by the eventual champions Arsenal 1–0 on aggregate in the third round.

Edmond Delfour made 41 appearances with the national team from 1929 to 1938 and participated in three FIFA World Cups 1930, 1934 and 1938.

Jean Nicolas spent his entire career with Rouen and appeared in 25 matches, scoring 21 goals with the national team from 1933 to 1938.

In the present day, Nicolas' goal output with the team ranks for tenth all-time and his average places him in a tie for third.

Rouen spent three seasons primarily playing the sport of rugby before association football was introduced to the club in 1899.

The section, primarily influenced by player Robert Diochon was, upon its creation, inserted into the regional league, Normandie Championnat, by the USFSA.

After World War I and the dissolving of the USFSA, Rouen began playing in the Normandie Division d'Honneur.

After finishing in the bottom half for five straight seasons, Rouen were forced into relegation by the French Football Federation after the club gave up its professional status due to financial and administrative issues.

As a result of its bankruptcy filing, the club was administratively relegated to the Championnat National, the third level of football.

In the 2002–03 season, Rouen finished 3rd in National and, as a result, earned promotion back to Division 2, now called Ligue 2.

The club's return as a professional outfit was short as Rouen spent a disastrous season in the league, ultimately finishing in dead last.

[6] On 21 January 2024, FC Rouen defeated defending Coupe de France champions Toulouse 12–11 on penalties after the match finished 3–3 after extra-time to book their place in the round of 16 against AS Monaco.

[7] After a 1–1 game, they similarly defeated Monaco on penalties, earning a spot in the quarterfinals for the first time in 25 years.

[8] Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.