The official announcement of the 2025-26 season of Ligue 1, the top football league in France, has officially been made. The league is set to return for its tenth season under the new name of Ligue 1 Pro et Deportif and will be played across 48 teams.
This season marks the first time that Ligue 1 has returned to Europe after being absent since 2009 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The league was suspended for almost three years before it was finally reinstated last year, with several changes made to ensure the safety of fans and players.
The 2025-26 season promises to be even more exciting than previous seasons. The league will see a return of the traditional four-legged format, which has been a staple of French football for many years. This means that every team will face each other in a single match, with the winner crowned as the champion.
Another significant change this season will be the introduction of a new fixture format known as the "Demi-Doublé", where two teams play against each other in a single game instead of just one. This will give teams more opportunities to develop their skills and potentially improve on their performances from previous seasons.
One of the most anticipated fixtures of the season is the return of the famous Saint-Etienne vs. Paris Saint-Germain showdown, which has always been one of the most intense matches in French football. Both clubs have shown great ambition and desire to challenge for the title this season, so there is no doubt that these two teams will put on a good show.
In addition to these key fixtures, there are also plenty of other exciting matches to look forward to throughout the season. For example, there will be several derby games between teams such as Montpellier and Lyon, or between Bordeaux and Nice. These clashes will provide some much-needed entertainment and keep fans engaged with the season.
Overall, the 2025-26 season of Ligue 1 looks like it will be another thrilling and exciting season for all fans of French football. With a strong lineup of talented players, a competitive fixture schedule, and a chance to compete against some of the best teams in Europe, it should be an exciting ride for fans of the sport.