Ligue 1 Concludes: A Look Back at the Thrilling 2024/2025 Season Standings
As the final whistles echoed across the stadiums of France on Saturday, May 24th, 2025, the curtain officially fell on another captivating Ligue 1 season. The 2024/2025 campaign delivered on its promise of drama, tactical evolution, and the emergence of new talents, all while reaffirming the established order at the very summit. From the relentless pursuit of European glory to the nail-biting relegation dogfight, every corner of the league table told a story of ambition, resilience, and occasional heartbreak.
This season marked a pivotal moment for several clubs, witnessing a shift in competitive balance just below the dominant force of Paris Saint-Germain. While the champions maintained their stranglehold on the title, the battle for Champions League spots, Europa League qualification, and indeed, survival, was more intense than ever, providing football enthusiasts with compelling narratives right up to the very last matchday.
Let’s delve into the final standings of the 2024/2025 Ligue 1 season, followed by an in-depth analysis of the key stories that shaped the ultimate outcome.
Ligue 1 2024/2025 Final Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paris Saint-Germain | 34 | 27 | 5 | 2 | 92 | 28 | +64 | 86 |
| 2 | Olympique Lyonnais | 34 | 20 | 7 | 7 | 68 | 40 | +28 | 67 |
| 3 | LOSC Lille | 34 | 19 | 8 | 7 | 61 | 35 | +26 | 65 |
| 4 | Stade Rennais FC | 34 | 17 | 10 | 7 | 59 | 42 | +17 | 61 |
| 5 | AS Monaco | 34 | 16 | 9 | 9 | 64 | 48 | +16 | 57 |
| 6 | Olympique Marseille | 34 | 15 | 10 | 9 | 55 | 41 | +14 | 55 |
| 7 | OGC Nice | 34 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 50 | 38 | +12 | 53 |
| 8 | RC Lens | 34 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 47 | 40 | +7 | 51 |
| 9 | Stade de Reims | 34 | 12 | 9 | 13 | 43 | 46 | -3 | 45 |
| 10 | Strasbourg Alsace | 34 | 11 | 10 | 13 | 40 | 45 | -5 | 43 |
| 11 | Montpellier HSC | 34 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 41 | 49 | -8 | 42 |
| 12 | Toulouse FC | 34 | 10 | 10 | 14 | 39 | 48 | -9 | 40 |
| 13 | FC Nantes | 34 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 36 | 44 | -8 | 39 |
| 14 | Stade Brestois 29 | 34 | 9 | 10 | 15 | 35 | 52 | -17 | 37 |
| 15 | Le Havre AC | 34 | 8 | 12 | 14 | 30 | 47 | -17 | 36 |
| 16 | FC Lorient | 34 | 7 | 10 | 17 | 33 | 56 | -23 | 31 |
| 17 | Clermont Foot 63 | 34 | 6 | 8 | 20 | 27 | 60 | -33 | 26 |
| 18 | Angers SCO | 34 | 4 | 6 | 24 | 25 | 75 | -50 | 18 |
The Unstoppable Force: Paris Saint-Germain (1st Place)
Once again, Paris Saint-Germain asserted their dominance over French football, clinching their fourth consecutive Ligue 1 title with several games to spare. Under the astute guidance of their manager, who has now firmly imprinted a high-octane, fluid attacking philosophy on the squad, PSG were simply relentless. Their attacking trio, spearheaded by a resurgent Kylian Mbappé (who netted a remarkable 30 league goals), and supported by the creative genius of Ousmane Dembélé and the clinical finishing of a new marquee forward signing from the summer, proved unstoppable.
What set this PSG side apart was not just their offensive firepower, but also a newfound defensive solidity. Marquinhos and the ever-improving Lucas Beraldo formed a formidable partnership at the back, while Gianluigi Donnarumma continued to be a world-class presence between the posts. The squad depth, a testament to strategic recruitment, allowed them to navigate injuries and maintain peak performance across domestic and European competitions. Their only two defeats came in closely contested away fixtures, highlighting their near-perfect home record and unwavering consistency. The champions finished a staggering 19 points clear, underscoring their unchallenged supremacy.
The Battle for Champions League Glory (2nd & 3rd Place)
The race for the two automatic Champions League qualification spots provided the season’s most compelling narrative outside of the title chase. Olympique Lyonnais clinched a remarkable second place, marking a triumphant return to the top echelons of French football. Their success was built on a foundation of homegrown talent, tactical discipline under their new head coach, and a series of shrewd winter transfer window acquisitions that provided crucial depth. Rayan Cherki blossomed into a consistent match-winner, while Alexandre Lacazette defied age with another prolific season. Their strong finish was a testament to their resilience, particularly in the face of intense pressure from their rivals.
Just behind them, LOSC Lille secured the third and final direct Champions League spot, continuing their impressive consistency under Paulo Fonseca. Lille’s success was rooted in their robust defensive organization, a vibrant midfield engine, and the explosive pace of their wingers. Jonathan David once again led their scoring charts, showcasing his predatory instincts. Their season was characterized by tactical flexibility and the ability to grind out results in tight games, proving their mettle against top opposition. Lille’s consistent European qualification is a testament to their smart player development and recruitment strategy.
Europa and Conference League Aspirations (4th, 5th & 6th Place)
The competition for Europa League and Conference League berths was fierce, with several clubs vying for European football. Stade Rennais FC finished a commendable fourth, securing a Europa League group stage spot. Their season was marked by attacking flair and the emergence of several promising youngsters from their academy. While they sometimes struggled for consistency against the top three, their ability to perform against mid-table teams and pick up crucial points kept them firmly in the European picture. Their dynamic style of play and commitment to youth development made them one of the most exciting teams to watch.
AS Monaco claimed fifth place, earning a Europa League playoff spot. It was a season of two halves for the principality club; a strong start saw them challenging for Champions League places, but a mid-season slump and a few key injuries derailed their momentum. Despite this, their squad boasts immense talent, and individual brilliance, particularly from their creative midfielders and clinical strikers, often pulled them through. Their inconsistent form prevented a higher finish, but their potential remains undeniable.
Rounding out the European qualification spots was Olympique Marseille in sixth, securing a Conference League playoff spot. It was a turbulent season for OM, marked by managerial changes and periods of inconsistent form. However, the passionate support at the Velodrome and the individual brilliance of players like their veteran striker and a newly acquired creative midfielder often provided the spark needed for crucial victories. Their strong finish demonstrated their resilience and refusal to give up, ensuring European nights return to Marseille.
Mid-Table Stability and Surprises (7th – 15th Place)
The vast expanse of the mid-table showcased a mix of consistent performers, teams that exceeded expectations, and those that perhaps underperformed. OGC Nice finished a respectable seventh, showcasing their defensive solidity and tactical discipline under their experienced coach. They were a tough nut to crack for any opponent, often stifling attacking threats and capitalizing on set-pieces.
RC Lens continued their impressive trajectory since promotion, finishing eighth. Their passionate fan base and high-energy pressing style made them a formidable opponent, especially at home. While they couldn’t quite replicate their previous season’s heroics, their consistency in challenging for the top half of the table is a testament to their strong team spirit and effective recruitment.
Teams like Stade de Reims, Strasbourg Alsace, and Montpellier HSC secured comfortable mid-table finishes, showcasing moments of brilliance but lacking the consistency to push for European places. Reims, in particular, continued to develop young talents, while Strasbourg proved tough to beat, especially at home. Toulouse FC and FC Nantes had solid if unspectacular seasons, avoiding the relegation scrap relatively early. Stade Brestois 29 and Le Havre AC battled bravely, ultimately securing their Ligue 1 status for another year, often relying on their strong home form and collective grit.
The Perilous Drop: Relegation Battle (16th – 18th Place)
The relegation battle was a tense affair, with the stakes incredibly high due to the reduced number of teams in Ligue 1 from the previous season, meaning only two direct relegation spots and one playoff spot.
FC Lorient finished in the 16th spot, securing the vital playoff berth. Their season was a rollercoaster of emotions, marked by periods of poor form interspersed with crucial victories. Their final day performance, a gritty draw, was just enough to edge out their rivals for the playoff. They will now face the third-placed team from Ligue 2 for a chance to remain in the top flight.
Sadly, Clermont Foot 63 and Angers SCO faced the harsh reality of direct relegation to Ligue 2. Clermont, despite showing flashes of promise, ultimately lacked the firepower and defensive solidity to compete consistently in the top division. Their struggles with goal-scoring were a significant factor in their demise. Angers SCO, returning to Ligue 1 after a short absence, found the step up too challenging. Plagued by injuries to key players and an inability to convert draws into wins, they finished at the bottom of the table, their relegation confirmed several weeks before the season’s end. Both clubs will now regroup and plan for a challenging season in the second tier.
Key Narratives and Trends of the Season
The 2024/2025 Ligue 1 season highlighted several crucial trends. The financial disparity between PSG and the rest of the league continued to widen, yet the competition for European places intensified significantly, suggesting a positive growth in quality among the chasing pack. The emphasis on youth development and tactical innovation across many clubs was evident, with several young French talents making their mark and attracting attention from top European clubs. The league also saw a continued focus on improving defensive organization, leading to a slight reduction in overall goals scored compared to previous seasons, indicating more tactical battles.
The atmosphere in French stadiums remained vibrant, with passionate fan bases driving their teams through thick and thin. The season delivered memorable upsets, thrilling comebacks, and moments of individual brilliance that captivated audiences worldwide.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on the 2024/2025 campaign, attention will soon turn to the summer transfer window, pre-season preparations, and the anticipation of the next season. While PSG’s dominance shows no sign of waning, the renewed strength of Lyon and Lille, the consistent challenge from Rennes and Monaco, and the ever-present threat of Marseille promise another exciting chapter in French football. The relegated teams will look for swift returns, while the promoted sides from Ligue 2 will aim to make their mark. The 2025/2026 season is already shaping up to be another enthralling spectacle in France’s top flight.
