Fall from Grace All about Ligue 1

Fall from Grace: All about Ligue 1

Football in France is very huge, both in terms of following and passion. The only stumbling block in rise of domestic leagues in French football has always been money.

French football league or Ligue is one of the youngest football leagues in Europe. It was established in 1932 when professionalism in football was introduced in France. It has been one of the important leagues in European football. Sadly the league never catapulted itself to premier status like its contemporaries from England and Spain. Although Ligue 1 is one of the best ran leagues in the world, it is not a huge brand as a league.

Despite not being big Ligue 1 has always had one of the very best players gracing it. Players like Gourcuff, Cisse, Juninho, Nasri ,Didier Drogba, Eric Cantona and Ronaldinho have made their step up from France. Yes! Ronaldinho was playing in the French league in his PSG days.

French clubs may not have that profile of a Real Madrid or Manchester United but they have a special place in European football. They are renowned to create superstars out of nothing. Eden Hazard is the latest example who rose to fame during his Lille days. Legendary Arsenal duo of Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira were also products of the famed Ligue 1.

It is also one of the most competitive leagues as no club has claimed an absolute dominance. Saint Etienne is the club who has won it for record 10 times. In its 80 years of existence, one team has won it mere 10 times. The reigning champions PSG has won it only four times.

Ligue 1 is the sixth biggest league in Europe behind Portuguese Premiera Liga and Serie A. French clubs always have been the feeder clubs to big boys from England, Spain and Germany. Lack of financial clout always led these clubs to sell their best players to biggies.

France is an international footballing powerhouse but sadly its domestic league is nowhere near the powerhouse status despite producing one of the finest talents in world football. Lack of branding and precarious economic situation of the clubs there has held Ligue 1 back since forever.