Ligue 1 McDonald's celebrates International Women's Day

Clubs and supporters up and down the country celebrated International Day of Women's Rights this weekend.

The 8th March 2025 marked an important date in the calendar as Ligue 1 McDonald's and Ligue 2 BKT supporters and clubs celebrated International Women's Day during matches over the weekend. Existing for over 100 years, the International Women's Day is a global day of celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievement of women all over the world.

The "WO=MAN" initiative

An initiative led by the Ligue de Football Professionnel, all players in Ligue 1 McDonald's and Ligue 2 BKT wore jerseys bearing the name "WO=MAN" instead of their own names this weekend. “The message resonates as a strong statement,” the LFP said in a statement. “Highlighting the importance of gender equality, not only on the field, but also in the stands.”

Supporter Tifos

Supporter groups also took their own initiative in celebrating International Women's Day, with Tifos celebrating the achievements of women linked to the history of their respective clubs. Supporters at Marseille created a large tifo in the Vélodrome's South Stand, whilst another International Women's day tifo was spotted at Red Star in Ligue 2 BKT. 

Pre-match celebrations

Other pre-match activities involved ceremonial kick-offs, like at Le Havre featuring representatives of the girl's academy. At the match between Toulouse and AS Monaco on Friday evening, club representatives posed with the French Sports minister Marie Barsacq and the WO=MAN jerseys. In Ligue 2, Red Star FC changed their shirt sponsor from TRUST IT to TRUST HER for their match against SC Amiens on Friday evening. Also in the capital, Paris FC chose The Alice Milliat Foundation (one of the leading European foundations promoting women's sport) as their charitable cause. 

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