When Does the New Season of French Ligue 1 Start?
The wait is over. Ligue 1 returns with its 18 clubs ready for a new battle. They all share one mission: take the crown from the Parisian giant. Can anyone pull it off this time?
After a couple of months off, the 18 teams in Ligue 1 are back with a single obsession: knocking Paris Saint-Germain off its throne. While 17 clubs dream of taking the crown from the reigning champions, the Parisians start the season aiming to extend their dominance. The battle for power in French football is about to begin.
The return to hostilities
The 2025–26 Ligue 1 season kicks off on Sunday, August 17, with a full slate of matches featuring all 18 teams. The headline act? The defending champions PSG visit Nantes in a showdown that will open a campaign packed with excitement from day one.
Must-watch matches
Derby du Nord (Lille vs. Lens)
Northern France comes to a standstill for this passionate derby. Lille OSC and RC Lens proudly represent their communities in a clash that never disappoints.
Côte d’Azur Derby (Monaco vs. Nice)
The showdown between AS Monaco and OGC Nice along the French Riviera always draws attention, regardless of the historical gap between the two clubs.
PSG vs. Lyon
A modern rivalry that’s grown with time. While it’s not a regional derby, matches between PSG and Lyon often have title implications and never lack intensity.
Nice vs. Marseille
Two southern sides in a fierce rivalry. OGC Nice and Olympique de Marseille go head-to-head in a high-stakes battle both on and off the pitch.
Le Classique (PSG vs. Marseille)
The most iconic matchup in French football. Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique de Marseille represent France’s two largest cities in a clash filled with history, politics, and raw intensity.
Stars to watch
In addition to the league’s established stars, several high-profile names are set to light up the season. Paul Pogba, Ansu Fati, and Eric Dier bolster Monaco. Marseille landed Danish midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, while Olivier Giroud returns home to lead the line for Lille. The Ligue 1 talent pool just got deeper.
Can anyone stop PSG?
Paris Saint-Germain has won the last four Ligue 1 titles. Only Lille, in 2021, managed to interrupt what could’ve been an eight-year streak. But this season, AS Monaco looks like the most serious threat to the throne. The club has reinforced heavily and is ready for war. Will it be enough?
