About Ligue 1

Professional football in France officially began in 1932 with the creation of the national league, initially called “National” and later renamed Division 1, and eventually Ligue 1. The first season (1932–33) marked a major turning point, as clubs were required to meet financial and sporting criteria to join the new professional structure. This move transformed French football into a structured national competition with promotion and relegation systems.

The early professional era quickly established dominant clubs such as Sochaux, Marseille, Sète, and Racing Club de France. The league format evolved in its early years, but by the mid-1930s it had become a stable 16–20 team competition. However, the league was interrupted during World War II (1939–1945), when professional football was suspended and regional competitions replaced the national structure.

After the war, professional football resumed and continued to grow in popularity and organization. The league expanded, modernized, and eventually became known as Ligue 1 in 2002. Over time, clubs like Saint-Étienne, Marseille, Nantes, Lyon, and Paris Saint-Germain became major forces in French football, shaping the modern era of the championship and establishing Ligue 1 as one of Europe’s top leagues.