Ligue 1 Focus: Pogba's Interest in Monaco, Giroud's Farewell at Lille, and the Emergence of Paixao at OM - These Five New Recruits to Watch This Season
Olivier Giroud, the all-time top scorer for the French national team with 57 goals, has retired from international play after last year's Euro. The veteran striker returns to Ligue 1 at the age of 38, joining Lille after a year with Los Angeles FC. Giroud will bring immense experience to Lille's attack, having replaced Rémi Cabella and Jonathan David who left the club this summer.
Florian Thauvin, a 2018 World Cup champion, has returned to French football after a stint in Italy with Udinese. The winger, who is persona non grata in Lille due to his late summer transfer to Marseille in 2013, has joined RC Lens. Thauvin captained Udinese last season, scoring 8 goals in 25 Serie A matches. His first steps with his new team were promising, delivering a decisive pass in a friendly against Leipzig.
Paul Pogba, who has joined AS Monaco at the age of 32, is another high-profile returnee to Ligue 1. Pogba has returned to competitive club football after serving an 18-month doping ban and missing the 2022 World Cup due to knee surgery. His physical form is a key concern, but Adi Huetter, AS Monaco coach, has stated that Pogba is in a good frame of mind. Pogba may not play in AS Monaco's first match against Le Havre on August 16.
Pogba's return to Ligue 1 could be crucial if he aims to reestablish himself in the national team setup. Monaco, having finished third in Ligue 1 last season, offers a competitive environment for Pogba’s comeback.
Lucas Chevalier has joined PSG from Lille, replacing Gianluigi Donnarumma. Igor Paixao, a 25-year-old Brazilian, has joined Olympique de Marseille from Feyenoord Rotterdam.
The Ligue 1 season begins on August 15, 2025, with Rennes and Marseille opening the season at Roazhan Park. Paul Pogba played his last game in September 2023.
Pierre Sage, Florian Thauvin's new coach, praised Thauvin's intelligence and composure. Meanwhile, Olivier Giroud stated that returning to Ligue 1 made perfect sense to him.
References: [1] BBC Sport (2025). Paul Pogba joins AS Monaco on free transfer after doping ban. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62436401
Football, just like in Olivier Giroud's prime, is back on center stage in Ligue 1, as Paul Pogba makes his return to the league after a hiatus. Giroud, a legendary striker, has joined Lille, aiming to infuse experience into their attack and help the team compete for the title.
