French football prepares for the new Ligue 1 season full of high-quality competition. Paris Saint-Germain remains the benchmark after securing the 2024/25 championship. But, the gap among the chasing pack is likely to be slimmer than ever. Monaco, Marseille and Strasbourg‘s transfers have set the stage for some exciting competition. The comeback of historic names like Paris FC and the survival of a club like Lyon add some extra seasoning. All signs point to the 2025/26 edition as bringing one of the fiercer contests in recent memory.
Pre-season changes (Relegation / Promotion)
The 2025/26 Ligue 1 season arrives with several notable changes to its lineup. Lorient returned to the top flight after just a single season away, having secured the Ligue 2 title in 2024/25. Paris FC made a remarkable comeback after a 46 year absence from Ligue 1, finishing second in Ligue 2. FC Metz completes the trio of promoted clubs, bouncing straight back to the top division after relegation the previous year.
On the other side of the equation, Montpellier’s sixteen-year stay in Ligue 1 has come to an end as they drop to Ligue 2. Saint-Étienne, despite their historic status in French football, were relegated after just one season in the top tier. Even Reims suffered the same fate after seven consecutive years at this level. These changes promise a fresh dynamic, with returning sides eager to prove themselves.
Teams in the 2025/26 season
The competition will see eighteen teams fighting for honours, including the three promoted clubs. PSG, Marseille, Monaco, Nice, Lille, Angers, Le Havre, Rennes, Lens, Strasbourg, Nantes, Auxerre, Brest, Toulouse, and Lyon are among the 15 clubs in Ligue 1. Lorient, Paris FC and Metz will also be part of the mix after their promotions.
One of the most significant pre-season stories has been Olympique Lyonnais’ battle to retain their Ligue 1 status. Lyon was initially handed an administrative relegation due to serious financial concerns. This included high debt and wage commitments. Lyon appealed the decision, and the ruling allowed Lyon to remain in Ligue 1. They have confirmed their place in the Europa League, though they will operate under strict financial oversight.
There have also been managerial changes to note. Pierre Sage takes over RC Lens following Will Still’s resignation. Nantes begin a new chapter under Luís Castro, who replaces Antoine Kombouaré. These changes in management could have significant impacts on the clubs’ fortunes this season.
Top 10 Transfers
The summer window has been pretty much busy with some big-money transfers shaping up the competitive landscape of the league. PSG further strengthened their squad by grabbing Lucas Chevalier from Lille. PSG are after some long-term security in the goalkeeping department, since Donnarumma is likely to leave the club. Marseille are the most active in the market, having brought in Igor Paixão from Feyenoord, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg from Tottenham and Angel Gomes on a free from Lille. The club further enhanced their positions by bringing Facundo Medina on loan from Lens and Timothy Weah on loan from Juventus.
Strasbourg, with the backing of BlueCo, has been just as aggressive. They have brought Joaquín Panichelli from Deportivo Alavés, Lucas Høgsberg from Nordsjaelland and Mathis Amougou from Chelsea. Additional strength came with the signings of Mamadou Sarr on loan from Chelsea and Kendry Páez on loan.
Rennes have strengthened their defence with Quentin Merlin from Marseille and Lilian Brassier from Brest. Paris FC have added Moses Simon from Nantes and Otávio from Porto, to boost their attacking options. Monaco have perhaps pulled off the most intriguing business, signing Paul Pogba and Eric Dier on free transfers. They also brought in Ansu Fati on loan from Barcelona, a move that combines experience and low financial risk. Florian Thauvin’s arrival at Lens from Udinese adds an interesting storyline to the season.
Prediction for the top four spots
Last season’s Ligue 1 saw Paris Saint-Germain dominate with 84 points. They were followed by Marseille, Monaco and Nice on 65, 61 and 60 points respectively. It is interesting to note that just five points separated second and fifth. This sets the stage for another tightly contested race for Champions League qualification.
PSG remain clear favourites to retain their title. The defending champions have managed to maintain their core squad intact. They also made targeted reinforcements such as Lucas Chevalier, ensuring they have depth in key areas. Their attack led by Ousmane Dembélé – last season’s joint-top scorer with 21 goals – continues to be unmatched in France.
Monaco look the most likely to challenge PSG for top spot, although bridging a 23-point gap will be a tall order. Their acquisitions of Pogba, Dier, and Fati have strengthened them without large financial outlays. If Pogba can recapture even part of his former form and Fati finds consistency, Monaco could comfortably finish second.
Marseille, last season’s runners-up, have been active in reshaping their squad. But the loss of key players, along with new signings could make it difficult to match last season’s points tally. They should still have enough quality to secure third place. Mason Greenwood would be spearheading the attack after his 21-goal campaign last season.
The battle for fourth promises to be the most unpredictable. Nice, who narrowly held off Lyon and Rennes last season, have kept much of their squad intact and remain disciplined defensively. Strasbourg’s heavy investment and Lyon’s renewed stability mean both clubs could pose serious challenges. These changes brought in real depth and attack options that could see them emerge as serious contenders for a top-four spot.
With squad balance, recent form, and transfer activity, these would be the predicted top four for this season. PSG at first, Monaco second, Marseille third, with Nice just hanging on to fourth. Though Strasbourg may be the most likely candidate to interfere with this order.
When does Ligue 1 start?
Set to begin on 15 August 2025, the Ligue 1 2025/26 season promises intrigue with newcomers and returning clubs and the resumption of old rivalries. Early fixtures will be decisive, particularly for those teams integrating a huge number of summer signings. For the promoted folks, a good start would be required to avoid the war with relegation from the word go.