Paris FC to Rev Up Ligue 1 Rivalry with PSG

Paris FC, backed by Europe's richest man Bernard Arnault, prepares to take on PSG in Ligue 1, with a new stadium just across the street from Parc des Princes.

Paris FC has secured a spot in Ligue 1 after a 1-1 draw at Martigues, making a significant milestone just six months after a high-profile takeover. The club's new ownership group, which includes Europe's richest man Bernard Arnault's LVMH and drinks giant Red Bull, has made a substantial impact.

This promotion means Paris will have two teams in the top division for the first time in 35 years, reigniting the city's football rivalry with Paris Saint-Germain. The new ownership group has injected fresh enthusiasm and resources into Paris FC, with plans for significant investment, potentially ranging from $108-216 million.

Key Highlights of Paris FC's Journey:

• Founding and History: Paris FC was founded in 1969 and briefly merged with Stade Saint-Germain to form Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) before separating in 1970.
• Recent Takeover: The club's majority shareholder, Pierre Ferracci, sold a 70% stake to LVMH and Red Bull, marking a new era for the team.
• Promotion to Ligue 1: Paris FC last competed in Ligue 1 in the 1978-79 season and has been working towards returning to the top division.
• Ownership Ambitions: The new ownership group aims to challenge PSG's dominance and make Ligue 1 more competitive, with potential commercial benefits and sponsorship opportunities.

Paris FC secured an instant return to the top flight after Pierre-Yves Hamel's 49th-minute goal gave them the lead against Martigues. However, Martigues equalized 10 minutes later from a corner.

With Metz held to a 3-3 draw by Rodez, Paris FC is guaranteed second place in Ligue 2 with one game remaining. They trail leaders Lorient by two points but could overtake them if they win their final match against Ajaccio.

The Arnault Family's Ambitious Project

The Arnault family, led by Europe's richest man Bernard Arnault, took a majority stake in Paris FC last November, with eldest son Antoine outlining their vision to transform the historically small club into a force. “It is an ambitious project but not an unrealistic one,” Antoine Arnault said.

Red Bull joined as junior partners, acquiring just over 10% stake. The energy drink company, which has interests in several clubs worldwide, including those in Austria, Germany, and the US, also employs Jurgen Klopp as a consultant. Notably, Klopp criticized Paris FC's stadium, Charlety, saying, “It has been a long time since I watched a game from that far away,” due to its athletics track and lack of atmosphere.

The rivalry between Paris FC and Paris Saint-Germain will intensify as Paris FC prepares to move into Stade Jean-Bouin, a 19,600-capacity rugby ground located across the street from PSG's Parc des Princes stadium. This proximity will make the two clubs literal neighbors on the west edge of Paris.

Paris FC, owned by the Arnault family, one of the richest in the world, is promoted to Ligue 1, 46 years after leaving the top flight. They will play at the Jean Bouin stadium which is opposite PSG’s Parc des Princes, literally 10 yards away! The shortest derby in the world!

— Julien Laurens (@LaurensJulien) May 2, 2025

The Stade Jean-Bouin has hosted other teams in the past, including Red Star, a team from the Paris suburbs that briefly played there about ten years ago. The new setup will undoubtedly create a fierce and intense rivalry between Paris FC and PSG, with the two clubs competing for local bragging rights.

Antoine Arnault addressed the proximity to PSG, saying, “You will never hear me say anything negative about PSG.” Instead, he emphasized their focus on developing young talent from the Paris region.

“We want to build a team where we will have five, six, seven or even eight players who have come through the youth academy,” Antoine Arnault said, highlighting the club's ambition to nurture local talent and create a strong team identity. His brothers and sister, Delphine, are also involved in the project.