25/26 Preview #15: Paris FC
last season
It was a season of revolution at Paris FC, who welcomed new investors in the form of the Arnault family. Their arrival, coupled with that of Red Bull as a minority shareholder, heralded a new era of heightened ambitions at the club. Their objective to return to Ligue 1 McDonald's was met thanks to a second-place finish in Ligue 2 BKT. Despite the attacking philosophy of their coach, Stéphane Gilli, it was their strong defensive record, the second best in the division, that ensured their promotion.
the coach: stéphane gilli
Gilli has spent much of his managerial career as an assistant, however, in his first position as head coach, he has led Paris FC back into the elite. Head coach of the Capital club for the past three years, he has turned Les Parisiens into a competitive outfit and coped with the pressure of heightened ambitions last season to lead their promotion charge.
In Ligue 1 McDonald's, the experienced Frenchman is expected to stick to his attack-minded principles. Gilli, who has been in management positions since the early 2000s, will test those principles in the elite of French football for the first time in this upcoming season.
key arrivals
As expected, it has been a busy summer at Paris FC. The club have brought in a mixture of experience and youth in their bid to secure their safety in Ligue 1 McDonald's. Moses Simon is one of two experienced players to join the club. The Nigerian has joined from Nantes on a permanent deal, whilst Thibault De Smet has joined from Reims on a permanent deal. The latter's teammate, at Reims, Nhoa Sangui, has also joined Les Parisiens. The 19-year-old is one of the prospects brought in, as has the slightly more experienced Otávio, signed on a permanent deal from Porto.
key departures
Looking to ensure continuity, it comes as no surprise that there haven't been a great deal of outgoings at the club. Three players have left upon the expiry of their deals, with the club yet to raise a single penny in player sales; given their recent investment, player sales were never a necessity for the club this summer. Josias Lukembila, Nouha Dicko, and Thomas Himeur have all left the club ahead of the upcoming Ligue 1 McDonald's campaign.
remember when...
Paris FC have undergone numerous name changes since its foundation back in 1969. It has also changed homes plenty of times, too. Last season, the club played in the Stade Sébastien Charléty, whilst this season, the club will play just 44 metres away from PSG's home, the Parc des Princes, at the Stade Jean-Bouin.
Paris FC is officially promoted to Ligue 1… this is how close they’ll be from PSG next season 🏠🔥🏠 pic.twitter.com/4P0Pyd32D6
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) May 2, 2025
There was a time, however, when Paris FC played their games at the Parc des Princes. The recently-promoted side played there between 1972 and 1974, and then again between 1978 and 1979. Paris FC aren't moving back in there, but they could hardly be any closer.
cult hero: maxime lopez
Paris FC have seen some French greats pass through their academy, including Mamadou Sakho and, more recently, Ibrahima Konaté, however, with the club in the lower tiers of French football in recent years, they left without establishing themselves in the first team. One of their most idolised players is one still at the club, Maxime Lopez. It was a surprise when the former Marseille midfielder made the drop to Ligue 2 BKT back in 2024. However, having done so, he has made himself a fan favourite at the club and has become something of a symbol of their recent rise.
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