The 2024/25 Ligue 2 Season Preview

Friday evening doesn't only mark the start of the Ligue 1 season with Le Havre vs Paris Saint-Germain (20:45 CET). Six Ligue 2 matches featuring 12 sides all kick-off their respective seasons tomorrow night. We preview what is going to be a busy season in the second tier with the hopes and ambitions of those aiming for promotion and the play-offs, as well as the sides that are endeavouring to beat the drop.  

Introducing... The new kids on the block

After AJ Auxerre, SCO Angers, and AS Saint-Étienne were promoted last season, Ligue 2 will welcome Clermont Foot, FC Lorient and FC Metz - all hoping to make a quick comeback to the big time. Meanwhile, Paris-based Red Star FC return to France's second tier for the first time in six years, as FC Martigues get their first-ever taste of the division following a historic promotion from the FFF Championnat National (third tier).

The Relegated Sides

This season, the race for promotion to Ligue 1 seems as open as ever. FC Lorient’s relegation was a bitter pill for the Breton club to swallow, but new manager Olivier Pantaloni is focused on rebuilding Les Merlus with a minimalist approach. The door is open for young talents like Eli Junior Kroupi to step up.

Clermont Foot also face a challenging season following their relegation. Sébastien Bichard, stepping into his first head coaching role, aims to guide Les Lanciers back to Ligue 1 at the first attempt. The arrival of experienced midfielder Henri Saivet should help stabilise a youthful squad, while Austrian playmaker Muhammed Cham, who showed flashes of brilliance last season, will be key to Clermont’s promotion push.

Metz, another relegated side, are now managed by Stéphane Le Mignan, a manager known for his progressive playing style. Despite losing key players like Georges Mikautadze and Lamine Camara, Les Grenats will still remain a formidable force in Ligue 2. The addition of Jessy Deminguet and the retention of captain Mathieu Udol provide a strong foundation for Le Mignan’s vision.

The Established Contenders

Stade Malherbe de Caen enter the new season with renewed optimism following a takeover by Kylian Mbappé’s investment firm, Coalition Capital. Manager Nicolas Seube, who turned Les Vikings' fortunes around last season, will look to build on that momentum. The squad boasts an array of young talents like defender Brahim Traoré, who has quickly become a key figure, and seasoned midfielder Yann M'Vila, who brings valuable experience to an established Ligue 2 side.

Paris FC narrowly missed out on promotion last season but are determined to make another strong push this campaign. Stéphane Gilli’s side has been bolstered by the signing of former Saint-Étienne man Jean-Philippe Krasso, a proven goal scorer in Ligue 2. Krasso’s partnership with creative midfielder Ilan Kebbal, last season’s top assist provider, could be pivotal for PFC’s ambitions.

Ligue 2 Club facts

Find out all you need to know about each Ligue 2 club ahead of the 2024-2025 season: 

Photo Credit:  FEP

Read More: 

• Season Preview #16: Saint-Étienne
• A New Era at Stade Malherbe de Caen