As the dust from the Paris Olympic Games settles, attention now turns to Ligue 1, where the question on everyone's mind is: Will anyone be able to dethrone Paris Saint-Germain from their prominent position?
In the last 12 years, PSG has won the Ligue 1 title an impressive 10 times, making them the clear favorites for the 2024-25 season, even with the departure of their star player, Kylian Mbappé. While PSG seems poised to dominate once again, teams like Marseille and Monaco are eager to challenge their supremacy, although they may find themselves more realistically fighting for a Champions League spot.
Lille, Lyon, and Lens also have their sights set on European qualification, each bringing their own strengths to the competition. Meanwhile, the newly promoted teams—Angers, Auxerre, and Le Havre—are preparing for what promises to be a tough battle to stay in the elite league.
The Battle for Supremacy in Ligue 1
PSG continues to set the standard in Ligue 1, sustained by immense resources since the club's acquisition by Qatari owners in 2011. Last season, they won the title with a comfortable nine-point lead and only two defeats. This year, even without Mbappé, additions like Joao Neves, Willian Pacho, and Matvey Savonov have bolstered their ranks, making them the team to beat once again.
For those looking for a possible surprise, Marseille could be the dark horse. Despite a disappointing eighth place finish last season, they made significant changes, including the hiring of Roberto de Zerbi as coach and signing players like Mason Greenwood and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Monaco, who finished second last season, also remains a strong contender with a squad full of young talent and experienced stars like Aleksandr Golovin and Folarin Balogun.
The Race for Europe and the Fight for Survival
While PSG is expected to claim the title, the battle for the remaining Champions League spots will be fierce. Marseille and Monaco are favorites to join PSG in the premier European competition, but Lille, Lyon, and Lens are also in the mix. Lyon, in particular, could be a surprise after a strong finish last season under Pierre Sage.
On the other hand, Angers, Auxerre, and Le Havre are gearing up for a relegation battle. Angers, despite their impressive promotion campaign, faces a tough task to stay in Ligue 1. Auxerre and Le Havre, who struggled in the top flight last season, will need to find form quickly if they want to avoid relegation.
This season promises to be exciting, with battles at both ends of the table and plenty of drama in between. Whether you're a PSG fan or rooting for the underdogs, Ligue 1 has something for everyone.