History of Ligue 1
Ligue 1 is France’s top-tier professional football league, founded in 1932. Known for its technical skill and youth development, Ligue 1 has been the starting point for many world-class players. The league has grown in prominence, especially with the success of clubs like Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on the European stage.
Format and Structure
Ligue 1 consists of 18 teams that play a double round-robin format, with each team playing 34 matches per season. Points are awarded for match outcomes, and the team with the most points at the end of the season is crowned champion. The bottom two teams are relegated to Ligue 2, and the 16th-placed team plays in a relegation playoff.
Recent Champions (Last 10 Years)
- 2023 - Paris Saint-Germain
- 2022 - Paris Saint-Germain
- 2021 - Lille
- 2020 - Paris Saint-Germain
- 2019 - Paris Saint-Germain
- 2018 - Paris Saint-Germain
- 2017 - AS Monaco
- 2016 - Paris Saint-Germain
- 2015 - Paris Saint-Germain
- 2014 - Paris Saint-Germain
Qualification for European Competitions
The top three teams in Ligue 1 qualify for European competitions, with the top two entering the UEFA Champions League directly and the third-placed team going into the qualifying rounds. Additional spots in the UEFA Europa League and Conference League may be earned through domestic cup victories.
Global Recognition and Talent Development
Ligue 1 is renowned for its commitment to developing young talent, with many players moving on to top clubs across Europe. The league’s fan base continues to grow internationally, driven by the success of French clubs in Europe and the appeal of star players like Kylian Mbappé.