The new Ligue 1 season promises to be an exciting one. The bookies have once again earmarked Paris Saint-Germain as favourites to claim the title, as they bid to secure a 12th league crown in 13 years. After securing a deluge of silverware over the last 12 months, PSG head into the new campaign with plenty of momentum. However, as was demonstrated in the 2016/17 and 2020/21 seasons, the club from the capital certainly aren't invincible.
This article contains affiliate links to advertisers. The analysis is our own. Gamble Aware 18+
The Parisians' extremely long season concluded in mid-July with the final of the Club World Cup, but preparations will already be being made for their quick return to competitive action. Exactly a month on from their disappointing loss to Chelsea in New Jersey, Luis Enrique's men face Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Super Cup final. This overcrowded schedule, which has put intense pressure on a talented but exhausted squad, could offer rivals a slim hope of upsetting the established order.
Aware of this risk, PSG have been quietly taking steps to strengthen their squad. Behind the reigning champions, Marseille, Monaco and Lille are moving forward with ambition. The Phocéens are continuing their rise to power under Roberto De Zerbi, Monaco are relying on a mixture of young talent and experienced campaigners, while Lille are dreaming of returning to the Ligue 1 summit thanks to a squad that combines youth and experience.
Therefore, Ligue 1 2025/26 offers an inriguing spectacle: PSG remain the team to beat, but the outsiders are ready to seize the slightest opportunity.
PSG: Expected champions, but limited transfer market activity thus far
Paris Saint-Germain go into the 2025-26 season in a strong position. Having secured the league title, both domestic cups, and a long-awaited Champions League crown, PSG dominated in both domestic and continental spheres last term. The only hiccup was the mid-July defeat to Chelsea, which preceded an extremely short summer break for PSG's beleaguered players. Some wear and tear from last season's exertions may be felt in the opening exchanges of the new campaign, but it ultimately shouldn't have an impact on the current domestic hierarchy: PSG are still far ahead of their rivals.
There haven't been too many arrivals at the Parc des Princes in recent weeks, although approaches for young goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier and Ukrainian central defender Illia Zabarnyi have been made. However, the bulk of the work has been focused on the departure of undesirable players. Luis Enrique is hoping to trim his playing squad following their return of several loanees. Milan Škriniar has joined Fenerbahçe with Marco Asensio set to follow, while Carlos Soler, Renato Sanches, Randal Kolo Muani and Nordi Mukiele will not be retained. PSG hope to sell this quartet or, failing that, send them out on loan in a bid to lighten squad numbers.
With an unchanged core group, a few targeted reinforcements expected, and a potentialy high number of departures, PSG's squad should be just as strong this season as it was last. In an llustration of their domestic superiority, bet365 have slapped odds of 1/10 on PSG to retain their league title. Barring a catastrophe, Marquinhos should be lifting yet another Hexagonal Trophy in May.
PSG to win Ligue 1: 1/10 (bet365)
De Zerbi settles in, Marseille aim higher
Having arrived in the summer of 2024, Roberto De Zerbi has quickly given Marseille a strong identity. His attacking football, based on constant pressure and fluid passing patterns, has helped the Phocéens return to the podium and close in on PSG. For 2025-26, the aim is to build on the foundations laid by the Italian while adding further attacking firepower.
Their transfer activity in this summer's market demonstrates this ambition. The options to buy Jonathan Rowe, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Neal Maupay have been exercised, continuing their central role in De Zerbi's new project. Facundo Medina has arrived on loan to strengthen the defence, Angel Gomes has joined on a free to reinforce the midfield, and Brazilian winger Igor Paixão is expected to arrive in the next few days to provide dynamism and creativity on the wings.
Moreover, Les Olympiens are delighted to have welcomed back Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Having left to join Saudi Pro League outfit Al Qadsiah in the summer of 2024, the Gabonese striker hopes to embark on another goalscoring purple patch upon returning to the French Riviera. During his last and only previous season at Marseille, Aubameyang netted 30 goals (17 in Ligue 1) across all competitions. The 36-year-old's wisdom and experience will be a considerable asset in what is a young Marseille dressing room.
At the same time, Marseille have decided to let go of several long-serving players. Quentin Merlin and Valentin Rongier have joined Rennes, while Luis Henrique has moved to Inter Milan. These departures reflect a reorganisation based on De Zerbi's principles.
With a clear style of play, a gifted group of new recruits, and the return of a prolific goalscorer, the nine-time Ligue 1 champions are moving forward with ambition. Priced at 14/1 to lift the title this season, Marseille are considered the most serious challenger to Paris Saint-Germain's current hegemony. If Aubameyang can rediscover his form and the new signings settle in quickly, it's possible they can upset the established order.
Marseille to win Ligue 1: 14/1 (bet365)
Monaco: revamped squad looking to return to top form
AS Monaco head into the 2025-26 season with a revamped squad, built around a mix of experienced players looking to return to top form and youngsters who have already established themselves. The Club du Rocher intends to remain a serious contender for the podium while moving closer to the top two places.
Monaco have brought in an eclectic mix of players during the summer window. Paul Pogba arrives as a free agent, with the aim of becoming an elite force once again after three years punctuated by injuries, a suspension for doping, and several court cases. His experience could be invaluable if he manages to remain in a positive physcial and mental condition. Ansu Fati, on loan from Barcelona, is also looking to bounce back following his struggles in Catalonia. Eric Dier completes this trio of recruits, adding defensive solidity to Monaco's backline.
Aside from these arrivals, Monaco can also count on a generation of rising stars. Maghnes Akliouche and Eliesse Ben Seghir are a crucial part of Adi Hütter's squad, capable of making a difference through their creativity and technical ability while also assuming leadership responsibilities. The revelation of last winter's transfer window, Mika Biereth has leverged his power and effectiveness in front of goal to bolster Monaco's forward line. These three players should play a key role in the club's immediate future.
Monaco's attacking efforts are also supported by the likes of the in-form Breel Embolo and American striker Folarin Balogun, who have consistently demonstrated their superb finishing capabilities since arriving at the Stade Louis II.
This combination of youngsters making progress and experienced recruits seeking a renaissance has developed Monaco into an intimidating force. If existing squad members can maintain their level of performance and marquee recruits Pogba and Fati can settle in quickly, Monaco could produce an upset. Bet365's decision to offer odds of 14/1 on Monaco to win the title underlines their status as credible outsiders, joining Marseille as the market's second favourites.
Monaco to win Ligue 1: 14/1 (bet365)
Lille: experience, youth and renewed ambition
LOSC head into the 2025-26 campaign determined to maintain their recent progress. After securing a fifth-placed finish in the league last term, the northern club is now aiming to establish a permanent place in the top four to ensure their return to the Champions League following this season's foray in Europe's second-tier competition. Under the guidance of Bruno Génésio, Lille head into the new campaign with a real sense of optimism, as they continue to forge ahead with a mixture of youth and experience. Les Dogues also gain confidence from the fact that they were the last team to deny Paris Saint-Germain the title, having claimed a fourth Ligue 1 crown in 2021.
Lille lost talismanic forward Jonathan David to Juventus and saw central midfielder Angel Gomes join title rivals Marseille, depriving them of two integral players. However, the rebuild is already underway. Félix Correia and Marius Broholm bring speed and creativity, Nathan Ngoy solidifies the defence, and Olivier Giroud, despite approaching the twilight stage of his career, is sure to be a significant attacking asset. The arrival of Belgian goalkeeper Arnaud Bodart also paves the way for the possible departure of Lucas Chevalier, whose transfer to PSG could fetch around €40 million (£34.9m), opening the door for new recruits.
Several key figures also remain. Defensive trio Aïssa Mandi, Thomas Meunier and Benjamin André provide an abundance of experience, and are well-placed to support the squad during this period of transition. Around them, a handful of youngsters are making rapid progress, as the likes of Ayyoub Bouaddi and Osame Sahraoui bring a renewed energy to Lille's attack.
With a combination of seasoned veterans and exciting young talent in their ranks, Lille are certainly capable of mounting a strong title challenge. The betting market appear to support this notion, with a host of bookmakers pricing Lille at 19/1 to emerge victorious this Ligue 1 season. Although they're not quite at the same level as Marseille or Monaco, they do have enough quality to spring a surprise. Could Génésio's men develop into a serious title contender?
Lille to win Ligue 1: 19/1 (bet365)
An alternative bet: Winner without PSG
Given PSG's status as overwhelming favourites, it might be worth exploring bet365 'winner without PSG' market. This gives you the opportunity to bet on who you think will be 'best of the rest' this season, presuming Luis Enrique's men continue their domestic dominance. Quite simply, you're predicting who would win the league if PSG weren't competing. This may serve to prolong your interest in this season's Ligue 1 action, as there's a chance your bet could still land even if PSG wrap up the title early on.
Monaco (9/4) and Marseille (5/2) assume the role of favourites in this market, with Lille (9/2) just behind. Priced at 6/1, Lyon are considered to have an outside chance of claiming the runners-up position, while Nice are also in the mix at 7/1 odds.
bet365 odds: Winner without PSG
Take advantage of our betting promotions page!
Looking to place a bet on the outcome of the 2025/26 Ligue 1 campaign? Discover a selection of the best betting bonuses on Flashscore. Click here to access current promotions, exclusive offers and dedicated codes from the industry best sportsbooks, and allow Flashscore to optimise your betting experience.