The 2025-26 Ligue 1 season begins this Friday with a promising showdown as Rennes hosts Olympique de Marseille at Roazhon Park in the campaign’s opening match.

Marseille Determined To End 15-Year Title Drought

The Marseille side enters the new campaign aiming to dethrone PSG and claim their first league title since 2009-10. The club has been active in the transfer market, bringing in U.S. forward Timothy Weah on loan from Juventus, motivated to secure his spot in the national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Weah returns to Ligue 1 after previous spells with PSG and Lille.

Alongside him will be Brazilian striker Igor Paixão, who netted 16 goals for Feyenoord in the 2024-25 Eredivisie, and English midfielder Angel Gomes, set to inject dynamism and creativity into the midfield.

Rennes Looking For Redemption After Disappointing Season

Rennes aims to turn the page after an inconsistent campaign. The Breton club has strengthened with Polish full-back Przemysław Frankowski, on loan from Galatasaray, and is seeking additional reinforcements to revitalize the squad. With a demanding fan base and aspirations of returning to European contention, Rennes hopes to capitalize on home advantage to start the season on the right foot.

A Season Opener With History

This clash marks the beginning of a Ligue 1 season expected to be more competitive than ever, with several teams bolstering their squads to close the gap on PSG. Both Marseille and Rennes arrive with fresh additions and the desire to send a strong statement from day one of the season.