Paris FC emergence as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has long been the uncontested football giant of the French capital. However, a new competitor is emerging, and it comes with the financial muscle of the Arnault family, the owners of luxury giant LVMH, and the expertise of Red Bull.
Paris FC – A New Force in French Football
Paris FC, a club currently in Ligue 2, has big ambitions. The Arnault family, with an estimated fortune of $190 billion, has taken control of the club and is now aiming to propel it into France’s top football division, Ligue 1. With their backing and the partnership with football powerhouse Red Bull, Paris FC has its sights set on challenging PSG’s dominance in Paris.
Paris is one of the world’s largest football talent pools, producing stars like Kylian Mbappé and Paul Pogba. Despite this, PSG has remained the city’s only top-tier football club since Racing Paris’s relegation over three decades ago. But Paris FC is determined to change that narrative.
“We want to create a team that reflects the richness of Paris’s youth academy,” said Antoine Arnault, who is overseeing the project. He sees Paris FC not just as a club, but as a platform to nurture local talent and possibly even compete with PSG on the international stage in the future.
The Arnault Family’s Ambitious Vision
In November 2024, the Arnault family purchased a majority stake in Paris FC, setting the stage for their rise. Their investment has already been complemented by the strategic collaboration with Red Bull, who now hold an 11% stake in the club. Red Bull, known for its success in transforming clubs like RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg, brings a wealth of football knowledge to the table.
Antoine Arnault, who was once a PSG season-ticket holder, believes in developing Paris FC the right way—through strong youth development and local talent. Their goal is not just promotion to Ligue 1 but to build a club capable of competing in Europe.
Despite the ambitious vision, Paris FC has some catching up to do. The club’s home, Stade Charlety, is not exactly a fortress for football, with average attendances around 3,000. However, plans are already in motion to move to the larger Stade Jean-Bouin in the coming season, right across from PSG’s Parc des Princes.
A City’s Football Rivalry Awaits?
Paris, a city known for its cultural and architectural richness, has long been missing a true football rivalry. PSG, with its star-studded roster and hefty financial backing, has dominated the scene for years. But with Paris FC now under the Arnaults’ and Red Bull’s wings, a rivalry could be on the horizon.
Despite this, Paris FC insists they are not looking to “buy trophies” like PSG. Instead, they are focusing on creating a sustainable, homegrown team that can develop top players from Paris’s footballing hotbed.
For Paris FC, the aim is clear: challenge PSG’s supremacy, create a youth-focused legacy, and one day compete on the European stage. Whether they will succeed remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain—Paris is about to have a football rivalry unlike any it has seen before.
