Premiere Ligue Women The 2025/26 season in Division 1 Féminine promises to be exceptionally hot thanks to two teams returning to the elite: Olympique Marseille Women and RC Lens Women. Both clubs return to the highest national level, and in the past season of the second league they each collected 45 points, with an identical match record of 14–3–3. Will they cope with the powers such as PSG or Lyon? Let’s check what chances they have for stabilization and what is worth observing at the start of the competition.
Promotion and first challenges
The return of Marseille and Lens to the elite means greater expectations, not only sporting, but also organizational and media-related. Division 1 Féminine is a league in which experience, a wide squad, and the ability to cope with the pressure of the season are worth their weight in gold. The newcomers must quickly find a way to compete with teams regularly fighting for the championship and European cups.
The schedule does not spare the novices. On September 6, 2025, Marseille will face Olympique Lyonnais Women, and RC Lens Women will play against Paris Saint-Germain Women. A brutal entrance onto the stage, immediately matches with the two biggest brands of French women’s football. In the second round, on September 20, Marseille will host Le Havre, and Lens will play away against Strasbourg. These are opportunities to quickly gain points and build self-confidence.
A good start can set up the season: raise morale, attract fans, and give coaches comfort in their work. A weaker start imposes pressure that is difficult to get rid of in a long campaign.
Who plays in Marseille, squad and style
Olympique Marseille Women enter the season with a mix of experienced players and young talents. In the squad we will find, among others, goalkeepers Anaïs Elie and Anaïs Hatchi, defenders Coline Gouineau and Mbayang Sow, in midfield Caroline Devant and Coumba Dembélé, and in attack Mathilde Bourdieu.
Marseille wants to play offensively, but with prudence. Training and preparatory camps were meant to build fitness, cohesion, and organization of play, necessary in clashes with stronger rivals. Home performances will be crucial, the stadium, atmosphere, and support may give them an advantage.
RC Lens — philosophy and goals
RC Lens Women enter the elite with a clearly defined plan: stabilization and step-by-step development. The club focuses on local talents, youth training, and reinforcements where they are most needed. Lens’s style of play is based on tactical discipline, solid defense, and quick transitions from defense to attack.
The most important goal will be collecting points against teams from the lower part of the table and avoiding defeats in matches with direct rivals for survival. The away trip to PSG in the first round will be a test of character, but also a chance for a surprise. It is worth mentioning Aude Gbedjissi, the top scorer of the previous season with 15 goals. Fans hope she will maintain her high form.
What will be crucial in the fight for survival?
Squad cohesion and rotations
The league is long, and skillful management of strength may bring valuable points. Important will be accurate substitutions and a plan for the toughest matches.
Performance in home matches
Winning in front of your own fans is half the success. Stadiums and supporters’ support will be an additional asset.
Approach to rivals from the top
Even a draw with a stronger opponent can have great significance. Key will be avoiding heavy defeats and fighting until the end.
Effectiveness in attack and stability in defense
Both clubs must find balance, score goals, but also minimize losses.
The most interesting matches to follow
September 6, 2025: Lens vs PSG, Marseille vs Lyon
A double test from the first whistle. The perfect moment to see if the newcomers can impose their style.
Direct clashes between Marseille and Lens
Matches between teams from different regions always have extra flavor and symbolic weight.
Duels with teams fighting for survival
They can decide the fate of the season and be crucial in the standings.
Marseille and Lens did not return to the elite to deliver easy points. Their most realistic goal is survival, but each team will fight for as high a place in the table as possible. Marseille can make a good impression from the very beginning if they maintain a high level of preparation, and Lens, through their attitude and consistency, may secure a peaceful life in the league.
The season promises to be full of drama, with moments of joy, difficult trials, and decisions that may decide everything. On September 6 we will learn the first answers and find out how Marseille and Lens will fit into the map of French women’s football.
