For the first time in nearly half a century, the city of Paris will once again be home to a top-flight football rivalry. Paris FC has officially secured promotion to Ligue 1 for the 2025–26 season, setting the stage for the long-awaited return of the Paris Derby against the capital’s dominant club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
A Rivalry Reignited
The last time Paris FC and PSG competed in the same division was during the 1978–79 season in France’s then-First Division. That season saw both clubs face off twice in official league fixtures. On October 15, 1978, PSG hosted Paris FC at Parc des Princes in a match that ended 1–1. In the reverse fixture on March 4, 1979, Paris FC welcomed PSG at Stade de la Porte de Montreuil, only to lose 2–1. Paris FC was relegated at the end of that season, and the Paris derby faded into history.
Now, 46 years later, Paris FC’s promotion to Ligue 1 means the city will host the Paris Derby once again — and under extraordinary circumstances.
Stadiums Separated by a Street
As if fate intended to stoke the flames of rivalry, Paris FC will play its home matches at Stade Jean-Bouin, a venue located just across the street from PSG’s iconic Parc des Princes. This remarkable proximity — the stadiums are nearly touching — adds a layer of intensity to the already highly anticipated derby.
This sets up not only a sporting clash but also a cultural one. PSG, backed by Qatari ownership and globally known for star players and Champions League ambitions, will face a Paris FC side that has quietly built a project rooted in community and long-term vision.
A New Era for Parisian Football
While PSG has long dominated the Parisian football landscape, the arrival of Paris FC in Ligue 1 offers a new narrative. The renewed derby will not just be a battle for points — it will be a statement of identity and ambition within the capital. The dynamics of the rivalry are vastly different from 1979, but the stakes are just as high.
Fans, media, and football purists alike eagerly await the official fixtures to see when the new Paris Derby will take place. With passionate supporters, historic context, and the drama of two neighboring stadiums, this derby could quickly become one of the most compelling stories of the 2025–26 Ligue 1 season.
Paris is ready — and this time, it’s a tale of two clubs.
