Paris FC Ascends to Ligue 1: A New Era for Parisian Football
The vibrant streets of Paris are celebrating a momentous occasion in the city’s football history. Despite a hard-fought draw against Martigues (1-1), and thanks to a draw between Metz and Rodez (3-3), the Paris FC (PFC) has officially secured its promotion to Ligue 1, the top tier of French football. This monumental achievement, confirmed during the 33rd and penultimate matchday of Ligue 2, marks the end of a long and arduous journey for the club, which had been denied promotion on four previous occasions through playoff defeats.
The last time Paris FC was a member of Ligue 1 was in 1979. Prior to that, they were in the league between 1972 and 1974. This is a remarkable moment for the team, fans and city.
The promotion of Paris FC has a significant and immediate impact: for the first time since 1990, when Racing Club de Paris and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) coexisted, Paris will once again have two representatives in the top flight for the 2025 season. This promises a thrilling dynamic as the newly promoted Paris FC joins the established power, Paris Saint-Germain.
Adding to the intrigue, both clubs will play their home games in close proximity. The Paris FC will continue to utilize the Stade Jean-Bouin, which they share with the Stade Français rugby team, while Paris Saint-Germain remains at the iconic Parc des Princes. Despite the geographical proximity, the match schedules will likely be staggered to avoid logistical conflicts.
The club’s promotion to Ligue 1 represents a significant triumph for the family of Bernard Arnault, who acquired the Paris FC through their holding company in November of last year. This acquisition has been supported by the Austrian energy drink conglomerate Red Bull, whose director of football is the esteemed German manager, Jürgen Klopp.
While the celebrations are underway, Paris FC still has one game remaining in Ligue 2, a home fixture against Ajaccio. An opportunity to claim the Ligue 2 title still exists, but the Paris club will have to close a two-point gap on league leaders Lorient, who suffered a defeat to Ajaccio in their recent match. FC Metz, currently in third place, will participate in the promotion/relegation playoffs.
Looking ahead to their Ligue 1 campaign, Paris FC’s initial objective is to consolidate their position in the top division before setting their sights on European qualification within the next few seasons, according to the club’s long-standing president, Pierre Ferracci.
"We must first avoid any industrial accident that would see us return to Ligue 2 at the end of next season," Ferracci stated cautiously. He will hand over his responsibilities to one of Bernard Arnault’s children in 2027, most likely Antoine, who has been involved since the acquisition. "Some will say that this is a Guy Roux-style communication," he added. "With the Arnault family, there is the capital to have stronger ambitions, but we have too much respect for all the teams we are going to face, and who have been there for decades, to try to stay up without skipping steps."
Stéphane Gilli, who has served as the team’s head coach for the past two seasons and will remain in charge next season, emphasized the challenges of securing promotion. "Getting promoted was a hard-fought battle," he remarked. "With Lorient, Metz, and Dunkerque, we fought every weekend. This promotion highlights all the work that has been done for years."
While Paris FC has exceeded expectations since the acquisition, considerable work remains to be done to meet the challenges that lie ahead. Recruitment is a critical area, with the club needing to strengthen its squad to ensure survival in Ligue 1. "We are going to strengthen the team," Ferracci confirmed. "We will see which positions absolutely need to be filled with players who have the experience to achieve this objective in a calm manner."
Red Bull’s expertise will be utilized in identifying young talent. The club’s budget will also need to be significantly increased. Paris FC had a budget of approximately 30 million euros in Ligue 2, while Montpellier, relegated but 8th in Ligue 1 in budget size, spent 50 million euros on payroll alone. Paris FC will present their budget for Ligue 1 to the French football financial watchdog on June 19, having finalized it during a board meeting on May 12, after the conclusion of the Ligue 2 season.
Numerous tasks must be addressed before Paris FC can rival Paris Saint-Germain on the field, in a Parisian derby that excites the minds of fans. The excitement is palpable. This is a major moment for the city and the fans.
The prospect of two Paris teams battling it out in Ligue 1 has generated significant excitement and anticipation among football enthusiasts. The derby between PSG and Paris FC promises to be a captivating spectacle, adding a new dimension to the Parisian football landscape. While PSG will undoubtedly be the favorites, Paris FC will be eager to prove their worth and challenge their more established neighbors.
Paris FC’s journey to Ligue 1 is a testament to the club’s resilience, determination, and the vision of its new ownership. The club’s promotion is not only a victory for the players, coaches, and staff, but also for the fans who have supported the team through thick and thin.
The arrival of the Arnault family and Red Bull has injected fresh impetus into the club, providing the necessary resources and expertise to compete at the highest level. The club’s focus on youth development and strategic recruitment will be crucial to its long-term success.
As Paris FC prepares for its return to Ligue 1, the club faces significant challenges, but also has the opportunity to establish itself as a force in French football. The club’s leadership is committed to building a sustainable and competitive team that can consistently challenge for European qualification.
The Paris FC story is one of ambition, perseverance, and the enduring power of football to unite a city. The club’s promotion to Ligue 1 marks the beginning of a new chapter in its history, and promises a bright future for Parisian football.
