Can Lens Win Ligue 1?
After finishing second last season and lifting the Coupe de France, Lens enter 2026-27 with a new coach, a rebuilt squad and growing belief that they can challenge Paris Saint-Germain.
Lens came closer than anyone else to challenging Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 last season. Now, after a historic campaign, a Supercopa de Francia triumph over PSG, and another statement victory against the French champions, the question is whether they can go one step further.
The 2025-26 season was remarkable. Under Pierre Sage, Lens finished second in Ligue 1, recorded 14 home victories and won the first Coupe de France in the club’s history by beating Nice 3-1 in the final.
Their momentum has continued into the new season. Lens defeated PSG 1-0 in the Trophée des Champions on August 16, despite playing with ten men for more than 50 minutes, adding another trophy to their recent success. Florian Thauvin scored the winner, while goalkeeper Robin Risser played a major role in preserving the lead.
A New Era After Pierre Sage
The biggest change is on the bench. Sage left for Crystal Palace after the historic campaign, and Lens appointed Dino Toppmöller on a contract until 2028. The German coach, previously in charge of Eintracht Frankfurt, has traditionally favored an attacking 3-4-3 system.
The squad has changed as well. Former captain Adrien Thomasson, Malang Sarr and Allan Saint-Maximin are among the important departures, but Lens have responded by adding experience and depth.
Thorgan Hazard has returned to the club on a deal until 2028 after producing 20 goal contributions in Belgium last season. Michaël Cuisance arrived from Hertha Berlin and signed until 2030, while Michał Skóraś and Maik Nawrocki have also strengthened the squad.
Can They Really Challenge PSG?
The main obstacle remains enormous. PSG are still the clear favorites and possess resources and squad depth that Lens cannot match over a full season.
There is also the Champions League. After qualifying through their second-place finish, Lens must balance domestic ambitions with European football.
But the gap no longer looks impossible to challenge. Lens have already shown they can compete with PSG in individual matches, while their performances last season proved they can sustain a high level over an entire domestic campaign.
Winning Ligue 1 would still require an exceptional season — and probably mistakes from PSG — but Lens begin 2026-27 as something more than outsiders.
They have earned the right to be considered genuine contenders.
