Despite being home to an abundant pool of football talent, Paris has long struggled to maintain more than one prominent club in France’s top division. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), bolstered by Qatari ownership since 2011, has dominated the local and national football scene, leaving little room for challengers. Meanwhile, other clubs in the city have faced financial struggles, failed collaborations, and infrastructure challenges.
Now, Paris FC may be poised to change the narrative. The club, currently competing in Ligue 2, has recently been acquired by the Arnault family, the wealthiest family in the world according to Forbes in 2024. Backed by their luxury goods empire LVMH, the Arnaults aim to turn the fortunes of this historically underdog team. The investment includes an 11% stake for Red Bull, which adds a layer of expertise and global football experience to the project.
Paris FC’s steady progress in Ligue 2 underscores the significance of this takeover. After a strong start to the season, they have become serious contenders for promotion. Although they recently dropped to second place, the club’s prospects for the January transfer window look promising under their new financial backing.
Lessons from the past, plans for the future
The story of football in Paris is not without cautionary tales. Racing Club de Paris, renamed Matra Racing in the 1980s, saw a brief moment of hope after an ambitious takeover by businessman Jean-Luc Lagardere. Despite signing stars like David Ginola and Enzo Francescoli, the project collapsed by the decade’s end, leaving only a Coupe de France final appearance as its legacy.
Pierre Ferracci, who has led Paris FC since 2006, is keen to avoid repeating such missteps. Although he has sold a majority of his shares to the Arnaults, Ferracci remains as club president for another three years. His vision focuses on building a team rooted in local talent, hoping to harness the potential of the Paris region. Notable alumni such as Ibrahima Konate and Axel Disasi serve as a testament to the club’s history of developing young players, though many left before making significant impacts at the senior level.
Red Bull’s involvement could further strengthen the club’s youth development system. Ferracci emphasizes the importance of maintaining Paris FC’s identity as a “popular” club while balancing its aspirations for long-term European competition.
Ambitions on and off the pitch
Paris FC’s women’s team, previously known as Juvisy, remains a key pillar of the club. With six national titles to their name, they have consistently competed at the highest level, often trailing only Lyon and PSG. Following the takeover, the women’s side aims to challenge their rivals even more fiercely, as evidenced by a recent draw against PSG in a league match.
However, logistical challenges could hamper the club’s growth. The current home of both men’s and women’s teams, Stade Charlety, presents issues due to its athletics track and limited capacity for expansion. Ferracci envisions a short-term move to Stade Jean-Bouin, a more compact venue situated near PSG’s Parc des Princes.
Looking ahead, Ferracci sees potential for a larger stadium, especially if the team earns promotion to Ligue 1. “We could aim for something in the range of 40,000 seats,” he notes, reflecting the club’s long-term ambition.
While there is no immediate effort to cultivate a rivalry with PSG, the stakes could change as Paris FC grows. Antoine Arnault, a lifelong PSG fan, and Ferracci have taken a cooperative tone for now, highlighting shared contributions from former PSG figures involved with Paris FC. Whether this collaborative spirit endures remains to be seen as Paris FC charts its path forward.
For now, the focus remains on securing promotion and solidifying their place as a rising force in French football.
