New Delhi: It was a night to remember for fans of Paris FC as they made history after a tense 1-1 draw against Martigues, as the final whistle brought an outpouring of emotion as the result confirmed Paris FC’s promotion to Ligue 1 for the first time since the 1978-79 season. A wait was spanned nearly five decades finally came to an end.
The 1-1 draw at Martigues may not have been a glamorous win, but it was enough to guarantee Paris FC a top-two finish in Ligue 2. With one game left to play, they sit just two points behind Lorient, who have also confirmed promotion. The final match of the season against Ajaccio could still decide who finishes as champions.
🌟 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐒, 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐒, nous sommes en @Ligue1🔥🥹
🔝 𝐀 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐜𝐞𝐮𝐱 𝐪𝐮𝐢 𝐨𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐜𝐫𝐮 𝐞𝐧 𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐬, 𝐪𝐮𝐢 𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐬 : 𝐜𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞́𝐞 𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐚 𝐯𝐨̂𝐭𝐫𝐞 💙
🔵⚪️ #CertifiéParis |… pic.twitter.com/uNoMKqYg1v
— Paris FC (@ParisFC) May 2, 2025
From third tier to top flight
When Pierre Ferracci took over as club president in 2012, Paris FC were languishing in the third division. His dream was clear from the start bring the club back to the highest level of French football. Thirteen years later, that vision has become a reality.
This promotion is a huge milestone not just for the club but for the city of Paris as well. For the first time in 35 years, the two clubs from the French capital will compete in the top flight in the same season. PSG are the titans of French football, while Racing Paris 1 were relegated back in 1990, marking it the last time two clubs from the French capital were together in Ligue 1.
The return of Paris FC to Ligue 1 means fans can now look forward to a unique derby in the capital. With the club planning a move from Stade Charlety to Stade Jean-Bouin, the new venue will be right next to PSG’s Parc des Princes, just 50 metres away. This sets the stage for one of the closest and most intense derbies in European football.
Arnault family steps in
Adding more excitement to the club’s rise is the recent involvement of the Arnault family, the richest family in France. Earlier this year, they became majority shareholders in Paris FC and will assume full control by the end of the 2026-27 season. While their financial muscle is yet to fully impact the club, the current success is a result of the long-term planning and stability brought in by Ferracci and his team.
Looking ahead
Paris FC’s promotion to Ligue 1 is more than just a sporting achievement. It’s a validation of years of effort, a turning point in the club’s history, and a fresh beginning for top-tier football in the capital. With the support of passionate fans, the vision of Ferracci, and the future backing of the Arnault family, Paris FC looks set to embrace the challenge ahead and carve out their own space among France’s elite.
Paris FC returns to Ligue 1 after 46 years, joining PSG to bring back a Paris derby and mark a new era in French football with fresh ownership. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
