Long before the modern era of big money, Ligue 1 was shaped by some historic clubs. Their stories still matter to supporters, and their names appear in the history of European football.
AS Saint-Étienne
Saint-Étienne has won ten French league titles and was the dominant force in France in the 1960s and 1970s. It also reached the European Cup final in 1976, with a team that became known as Les Verts.
Stade de Reims
Reims played in the first European Cup final in 1956 and again in 1959. The team featured Raymond Kopa, who later won the Ballon d’Or.
Nantes, Monaco and Marseille
Nantes was known for a beautiful passing style, and Monaco and Marseille have each won multiple league titles. Together these clubs helped to build the traditions of French football.