As the dust from the Paris Olympics settles, attention now shifts to Ligue 1, where the question on everyone’s mind is: Can anyone topple Paris Saint-Germain from their perch?
Over the past 12 years, PSG has claimed the Ligue 1 title an incredible 10 times, making them the clear favorites heading into the 2024-25 season, even with the departure of their star player, Kylian Mbappe. While PSG seems poised to dominate once again, the likes of Marseille and Monaco are eager to challenge their reign, though they might find themselves more realistically battling for a spot in the Champions League.
Lille, Lyon, and Lens also have their eyes set on European qualification, each bringing their own strengths to the table. Meanwhile, the newly promoted teams—Angers, Auxerre, and Le Havre—are gearing up for what promises to be a tough fight to stay in the top flight.
The Battle for Ligue 1 Supremacy
PSG continues to set the standard in Ligue 1, backed by immense resources since their Qatari takeover in 2011. Last season, they secured the title with a comfortable nine-point lead and only two losses. This year, even without Mbappe, new additions like Joao Neves, Willian Pacho, and Matvey Savonov have bolstered their ranks, making them the team to beat once again.
For those looking for a potential upset, Marseille could be the dark horse. Despite a disappointing eighth-place finish last season, they’ve made significant changes, including the hiring of Roberto de Zerbi as head coach and the signing of players like Mason Greenwood and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Monaco, who finished second last season, also remains a strong contender with a squad full of young talent and experienced stars like Aleksandr Golovin and Folarin Balogun.
The Race for Europe and the Struggle for Survival
While PSG is expected to claim the title, the battle for the remaining Champions League spots will be fierce. Marseille and Monaco are the favorites to join PSG in Europe’s top competition, but Lille, Lyon, and Lens are all in the mix as well. Lyon, in particular, could be a surprise package after a strong finish last season under Pierre Sage.
On the other end of the table, Angers, Auxerre, and Le Havre are bracing themselves for a relegation battle. Angers, despite their impressive promotion campaign, face an uphill task to stay in Ligue 1. Auxerre and Le Havre, both of whom struggled in the top flight last season, will need to find form quickly if they hope to avoid the drop.
This season promises to be an exciting one, with battles at both ends of the table and plenty of drama in between. Whether you’re a PSG fan or rooting for the underdogs, Ligue 1 has something for everyone.
