Chasing the Crown: PSG’s Rivals, Rising Stars, and Key Contenders in Ligue 1

Insights from a French Football Expert

This weekend marks the kickoff of three of Europe’s top five leagues. Although much of the attention will focus on the return of the Premier League and LaLiga, Ligue 1 promises to present an exciting season. Known for its abundance of young talent, Ligue 1 is set for another year filled with drama, suspense, and new emerging players. Paris Saint-Germain continues to pursue its title aspirations, facing stiff competition from Marseille, Monaco, and Lyon. The new season will unfold against a backdrop of fresh signings, tactical shifts, and compelling narratives from the grandest stadiums to the smallest provincial venues.

With coaching changes, rising prospects, and a summer marked by significant transfers altering the competitive landscape, every team has much to prove this season. Drawing on insights from Transfermarkt’s specialists in France, we delve into key questions to consider: Who poses the greatest threat to PSG’s title reign? Which team might surprise us? Who are the notable players to watch? Which U21 talents could break out? And which manager could make headlines? Joachim Durand, our expert based in France, has the answers.

Ligue 1 Season Preview

Who can challenge PSG?

According to Durand: “Monaco is certainly a contender. They have signed some seasoned players, including Paul Pogba, Eric Dier, and Lukas Hradecky, while successfully retaining their top talent like Maghnes Akliouche, Mika Biereth, and Denis Zakaria. Marseille has also reinforced its squad effectively, targeting areas previously identified as weaknesses by adding key players like Facundo Medina and Igor Paixão, while keeping the core of last year’s team intact.”

Team to Watch

Durand mentions that while Strasbourg might be the logical pick after their surprising performance last season, he sees Lyon as a team worthy of attention. “Despite losing players like Rayan Cherki, Lucas Perri, and Alexandre Lacazette and facing economic challenges, I don’t anticipate a disastrous season for them. Their pre-season was promising, and new arrivals seem to have integrated well. I believe they can contend for a European spot this season, which would be a commendable achievement given the circumstances.”

Player to Watch

Durand believes Monaco’s striker, Biereth, is someone to keep an eye on, citing his strong second half of the previous season. With the same tactical system and enhanced creativity around him thanks to players like Pogba and Ansu Fati, he expects Biereth to score plenty of goals in Ligue 1 this year. Additionally, he highlights Marseille’s Amine Gouiri, looking for confirmation that his promising first half of the season wasn’t just a fluke. His potential has been clear for years, and manager Roberto De Zerbi’s consistent praise of him indicates he will be highly motivated this season.

U21 Player to Watch

Durand points to PSG’s Warren Zaïre-Emery as a notable U21 talent. Despite his past rapid rise, he has recently lost his starting position and will have to battle to regain it. His talent remains exceptional, making it intriguing to see how he performs. Another name is goalkeeper Mike Penders, on loan from Chelsea, who faces the challenging task of replacing Djordje Petrovic but is highly regarded within the league.

Manager to Watch

Durand identifies Pierre Sage as a key manager to follow this season. After successfully turning Lyon’s fortunes around in the 2023/2024 season, leading them from relegation threats to European contention, his abrupt dismissal last January caused a stir among fans. Now at Lens, it will be fascinating to see if he can replicate that success with a different club.