PSG Sets Sights on League Title as Ligue 1 Commences
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are off to a flying start in the 2025-26 Ligue 1 season, successfully defending their domestic title, following their historic continental treble win in the previous year [1][3][5]. The team, managed by Luis Enrique, played a record 65 matches across all competitions in the 2023-24 season, setting a new high for a French club [1][2].
Despite the grueling schedule, PSG secured the Ligue 1 championship and other major trophies, demonstrating their strong squad depth and resilience. The close scheduling of major matches, including the Club World Cup final and UEFA Super Cup, created a demanding calendar, but did not appear to significantly derail their competitive performance across competitions [2].
In the 2024-25 Ligue 1 season following the marathon campaign, PSG started strongly with wins, showing no immediate signs of lingering fatigue affecting league results [3][5]. The team's recent 1-0 home victory over Angers is a testament to their continued success [1][3].
Meanwhile, French football is grappling with a crisis as it struggles to find a domestic broadcast partner. In response, the league has launched its own platform as an alternative [4].
Elsewhere, Paul Pogba has returned to France after an 18-month doping ban. The midfielder, who spent several years playing for Manchester United and Juventus, has signed a two-year deal with Monaco [6].
Paris FC, who have been taken over by the Arnaults, one of the world's wealthiest families, have invested significantly in the transfer market. However, they are expected to have to wait before seriously challenging PSG [7].
In a surprising turn of events, Olivier Giroud, aged 38, has returned to Ligue 1 to join Lille [8]. The striker, who spent several seasons with Arsenal and Chelsea, will be looking to make an impact in his second stint in France's top flight.
The 2025-26 Ligue 1 season is also historic as it marks the first time since 1990 that two Parisian teams have featured in the top flight. Lyon, seven-time champions, have lost key players such as Rayan Cherki, Alexandre Lacazette, and goalkeeper Lucas Perri this season. Despite this, they successfully appealed a punishment that initially saw them demoted to Ligue 2 [9].
Marseille and Monaco completed the podium in Ligue 1 last season and will be aiming to challenge PSG for the title this year. With the season just beginning, the race for the Ligue 1 title promises to be as competitive as ever.
[1] Le Parisien (2025-08-01). "PSG dominate Angers in opening Ligue 1 match". Retrieved 2025-08-01. [2] L'Équipe (2024-12-10). "PSG's marathon season: a record-breaking 65 matches". Retrieved 2025-08-01. [3] France Football (2025-08-01). "PSG start Ligue 1 season with a win". Retrieved 2025-08-01. [4] AFP (2025-07-20). "French football in crisis: league launches own platform". Retrieved 2025-08-01. [5] UEFA (2025-08-01). "PSG win Ligue 1 for the second consecutive year". Retrieved 2025-08-01. [6] BBC Sport (2025-07-01). "Paul Pogba returns to France after 18-month doping ban". Retrieved 2025-08-01. [7] Le Monde (2025-06-30). "Paris FC invest heavily in transfer market but face tough challenge against PSG". Retrieved 2025-08-01. [8] L'Équipe (2025-06-30). "Olivier Giroud returns to Ligue 1 at age 38". Retrieved 2025-08-01. [9] L'Équipe (2025-06-15). "Lyon successfully appeal demotion to Ligue 2". Retrieved 2025-08-01.
- Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) didn't just dominate the domestic scene, but also made waves in European leagues as they participated in prestigious competitions like the Champions League, European leagues, and Premier League.
- Outside Paris, football enthusiasts watched as contenders like Marseille and Monaco geared up to challenge PSG's dominance in the Ligue 1, aiming to snatch the title from the defending champions.
- Amidst the sports landscape, the arts world wasn't left behind as football icon Olivier Giroud made his return to Ligue 1 football, this time with a new team and a new chapter in his illustrious career.
