French football has rarely been this intriguing. PSG, fresh off a treble and Europe’s biggest prize, looks untouchable on paper. Yet, two sleeping giants are stirring.
Monaco, betting on Paul Pogba and Asu Fati’s redemption arc, and Marseille, powered by Mason Greenwood’s goals and Roberto De Zerbi’s bold philosophy, are plotting to unseat the Parisian empire.
The stage is set for one of the most thrilling Ligue 1 campaigns in recent memory, with many neutrals hoping that perhaps there might also be a long-awaited power shift in the 25/26 Ligue 1 season.
🗼 PSG: The Standard to Beat:
PSG enter 25/26 as treble holders and fresh Champions League winners, a level that sets the bar sky-high for France. Luis Enrique’s side looked complete last season, from structure to star power.
AI models and Supercomputers still love them regardless of their 3-0 FIFA Club World Cup final loss to Chelsea and their slim 1-0 wins over Nantes and Angers in their opening two Ligue 1 games.
Opta, a statistics-heavy platform, projects PSG as overwhelming title favourites, which matches the eye test after a dominant spring in the FIFA CWC where they humiliated the likes of Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid en route to the final.
PSG made two major signings this summer, adding a centre back, Zarbanyi and a goalkeeper, Lucas Chevalier, who replaces the departing Gianluigi Donnarumma.
PSG’s depth and experience make them overwhelming favourites. However, after those underwhelming 1-0 wins in their two opening Ligue 1 games, doubts have crept in. Is the long reign of Paris coming to an end?
🔴⚪️ Monaco: High-Ceiling Gamble:
Monaco’s headline is Paul Pogba’s return to Ligue 1. The club presented him on a two-year deal, betting that his experience and range can elevate Adolf Hütter’s vertical, front-foot game.
The midfielder aims to revive his career after a lengthy doping ban. He also targets a 2026 World Cup spot with France. While Monaco also added Barca’s Ansu Fati, who also arrived to reboot his career. Eric Dier also joined on a free transfer for defensive stability.
Manager Hütter, in his third season—extended and entrenched—has given Monaco consistent ideas, aggressive young talent, and fast transitions.
It’s a blend that can rattle anyone, but with a win and a defeat in their first two Ligue 1 games, and Pogba and Ansu Fati’s absence from playing due to match fitness, there’s work to be done to make the jump from 3rd last season to 1st.
🔵⚪️ Marseille: Greenwood + De Zerbi = Edge:
Roberto De Zerbi’s appointment injected identity and intensity into OM. His attacking automatisms and brave build-up were clear from the first weeks, and the club moved decisively to back him.
Centrepiece signing Mason Greenwood joined permanently on a five-year deal and immediately delivered. He finished 24/25 as joint Ligue 1 top scorer on 21 goals, in a season, his side finished 2nd in the league (not by a close margin). Now, he has already opened his account for the new campaign, too.
This season, while it has not been a great start, with one win and one defeat, it comes with higher expectations after the signings of Timothy Weah, Angel Gomes, and the return of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Now, with OM finally boasting reliable closers for De Zerbi’s chance-creating machine, one wonders, would the world get to witness the rise of an old empire from the land and people of Marseille?
⚔️ The Title Race: Odds and Obstacles:
PSG’s financial muscle keeps them ahead. But Monaco and Marseille have strengthened significantly. PSG’s slow start hints at vulnerability. Their ability to grind out wins proves their resilience.
The key will be consistency over 34 games. Can Monaco or Marseille sustain a serious challenge? The quest to topple the champions is officially on.
🔗You can check out today’s games here on MSport.
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