France's top women's football league has a history spanning over a century of evolution

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Known today as the Arkema Première Ligue, the premier French women's football competition has transformed from an amateur pursuit into a professional powerhouse. While its modern structure features twelve elite clubs, the league's roots trace back to the post-war era of 1919, reflecting a long, complex journey toward professional recognition.

The origins of organized women's football in France date back to 1919, when a dedicated sports organization led by Alice Milliat established the nation's first league. This early iteration emerged as women increasingly participated in industrial and agricultural labor during the war, eventually finding a home on the pitch. However, this initial period was brief; by 1933, the organization removed football from its official sports list, and the league disbanded shortly thereafter. A short-lived successor, the Paris Women's Football League, operated from 1933 to 1937, but the sport largely faded from the national stage until its official reinstatement in 1975.

The modern era began when the French Football Federation launched the Division 1 Féminine in 1975. This competition evolved significantly over the following decades, eventually introducing professional contracts for players during the 2009–10 season. This shift marked a turning point for the league, which has since been recognized as one of the strongest in Europe. In 2024, the competition rebranded as the Première Ligue, solidifying its identity as the pinnacle of the French women's football system.

Today, the league operates with twelve teams competing in a round-robin format from September to June. The structure is designed to identify the best talent, with the top three finishers securing spots in the UEFA Women's Champions League. Lyon remains the most successful club in the league's history, having secured 19 titles and a record 14 consecutive wins. The league's professionalization has been further bolstered by corporate partnerships, including title sponsorship from Arkema since 2019 and a betting partnership with Betclic that extends through 2030.

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