The balance of power in France could shift again as the 2025–26 Ligue 1 campaign gets underway. While PSG still looms large, this season brings fresh storylines — a couple of familiar names have dropped out, and a new trio steps up with something to prove. The 2025–26 Ligue 1 odds reflect just how wide open things feel. Buckle up: this year might just surprise us all.
Eighteen of France’s top sides return for another shot at glory, with PSG leading the pack after a dominant run last season. The big question is — can anyone close the gap, or will the reigning champions continue to set a pace the rest can’t match?
| ℹ️ Tournament: | French Ligue 1 Season 2025/26 (McDonald’s Ligue 1) |
| ⚽️ Venues: | Stadiums Across France |
| 🗓️ Dates: | 15th August 2025 to 16th May 2026 |
As the pinnacle of French professional football, Ligue 1 will see 18 clubs compete for the championship in the upcoming season. The competition follows a double round-robin format, meaning each team plays a total of 34 matches—one at home and one away against every other club in the league. The club that accumulates the most points by the end of the season is crowned the champion of France.
The bottom two teams are directly relegated to Ligue 2, the second tier of French football, while the 16th side plays a relegation playoff with the third team from the second division. European qualification is also a key battleground; the top three teams secure a direct spot in the UEFA Champions League group stage, with the fourth-placed team entering the qualifiers. The fifth-placed team earns a spot in the UEFA Europa League, while the sixth-placed team qualifies for the UEFA Conference League. Fans and bettors alike are already keeping a close eye on Ligue 1 odds, as the race for domestic and European glory promises plenty of twists.
Ligue 1, originally called National and later Division 1, began in 1932 and marked the start of professional football in France. While many clubs have claimed the title, PSG now holds the record with 13 championships, most of them earned in the modern era.
Historic sides like AS Saint-Étienne and Marseille still carry weight, and with 25/26 Ligue One season predictions stirring debate, fans are eager to see if tradition can challenge dominance.
Delio Onnis remains the league’s top scorer with 299 goals, while Mickaël Landreau leads in appearances with 618 matches. Rivalries also fuel the drama — none bigger than “Le Classique” between PSG and Marseille.
Paris Saint-Germain has dominated French football in recent years, claiming the last four league titles with ease. Lille was the only side to interrupt their run, winning the 2020/21 season.
While PSG’s recent dominance might make the title race seem predictable, the reality could be far more interesting. Several contenders are strengthening their squads, and momentum can shift quickly in a 34-match campaign. That’s why bookmakers for soccer games and their markets still offer solid value on clubs chasing the top spot.
PSG enters the 25/26 season as overwhelming favorites after a historic treble that included the Champions League, both domestic cups, and a dominant Ligue 1 run. Despite a short summer and a Club WC 2025 final loss to Chelsea, the squad remains largely intact. Luis Enrique has focused on clearing out fringe players like Škriniar, Asensio, and Soler, while eyeing fresh talent such as Lucas Chevalier and Illia Zabarnyi. With minimal disruption and continuity in key positions, bookmakers for soccer season winner markets reflect their status — PSG sits at just 1.10 to win the title again.
Monaco enters the 2025/26 season with a bold mix of youth and experience, aiming to push beyond the podium and challenge the league’s top two. Paul Pogba joins as a free agent, hoping to revive his career, while Ansu Fati arrives on loan from Barcelona with similar ambitions. Eric Dier adds depth at the back, complementing Monaco’s rising stars like Akliouche, Ben Seghir, and Mika Biereth. With support from Embolo and Balogun in attack, Adi Hütter has plenty of options.
Under Roberto De Zerbi, Marseille has found structure, flair, and renewed belief. His high-pressing, attack-minded system pushed the club back into title contention, and the 25/26 season looks like the next step forward. Marseille strengthened smartly this summer, locking in Rowe, Højbjerg, and Maupay, while adding Facundo Medina, Angel Gomes, and soon, Igor Paixão.
The return of Aubameyang, who scored 17 Ligue 1 goals in 2024, is another boost. With a fresh squad and clear tactical identity, the nine-time champions are one of the best predictions to win the league (besides PSG) that can be found on the Ligue 1 bookmakers.
After a solid fifth-place finish last season, Lille looks ready to raise the bar. Under Bruno Génésio, the team carries a familiar mix of steady hands and fresh legs, even after parting ways with Jonathan David and Angel Gomes, two pillars of last year’s success.
Olivier Giroud adds proven firepower up top, while Félix Correia and Marius Broholm inject creativity going forward. In defense, Meunier, Mandi, and André provide structure and calm, as a new generation—led by Bouaddi and Sahraoui—pushes the tempo. With depth, direction, and belief, this squad could turn consistency into something much bigger.
Lyon enters the new season in rebuild mode, following the high-profile exit of Rayan Cherki to Manchester City. Veretout and Perri also departed, but the club responded with a clear strategy. Tyler Morton joined from Liverpool, while Pavel Šulc and Ruben Kluivert bring youthful energy. Matt Turner arrived but was immediately loaned to the MLS. It’s not a title-chasing squad—at least not yet—but there’s enough structure and ambition to keep Lyon competitive.
After our outright French Ligue 1 predictions 2025/26, we dive into our top picks, excluding the obvious things like choosing PSG to win the title for almost no cash reward.
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Lens ended last season in eighth, but their final stretch told a different story. Big wins over Monaco, Marseille, and Lyon proved they can match the league’s best when it matters. With no European distractions and a disciplined back line, consistency could follow. New boss Pierre Sage brings fresh ideas, and if the attack sharpens up, Lens might quietly climb back into the top three.
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Everyone is a high-odds winner when compared to PSG. Their season and the level of the game were on a different level. However, online sportsbookies in France suggest that if anyone could challenge them, it’s Monaco. If you can find the odds like “winner without PSG” – Monaco is also a likely pick in such a scenario.
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Marseille begin their season away at Rennes with momentum on their side. De Zerbi’s side finished second last term, playing with clarity and purpose, and should benefit from a lighter schedule this year.
Rennes, meanwhile, are rebuilding under new manager Habib Beye after a 12th-place finish. With Marseille’s cohesion and depth, backing them here aligns with the logic behind their short price in the 2025–26 Ligue 1 winner odds. An away win looks like the smart call.
The 2025–26 Ligue 1 season promises more than just another PSG showcase. Several clubs have reshaped their squads with purpose, while rising managers bring fresh energy to the touchline. Whether you’re watching for title drama, top-three battles, or opening weekend value, this campaign offers plenty to keep an eye on.
