Ligue 1 gets underway: Everybody against the stars of PSG

Lights, cameras, action! If last season all eyes were on Ligue 1 because of Lionel Messi's arrival in at Paris Saint-Germain, the 2022/23 season is not far behind after Kylian Mbappe's surprise renewal, despite all signs seeming to indicate that the Frenchman would join Real Madrid.

Messi, Mbappe and Neymar, will try to spearhead a PSG side with Christophe Galtier at the helm, as they look to break the record for most league titles in France. PSG currently share the honour with Saint-Etienne, with both clubs currently on 10 league title.

The three stars have been joined by the arrivals of Vitinha, Renato Sanches and Nordi Mukiele. Now, more than ever, PSG have an obligation in the Champions League.

Obviously, the club with the biggest investment in Ligue 1 has been the Parc des Princes side with 91.50 million euros, but the rest of the chasing pack have also strengthened their squads and, in some cases, there's a lot of excitement.

Challengers to the throne

Among the possible candidates are Lyon, who, after a disastrous season in which they finished eighth, have shored up their squad with an investment of 8.45 million euros.

Alexandre Lacazette, Corentin Tolisso and Nicolas Tagliafico will bolster the seven-time league champions.

Marseille finished second last year and have also reinforced their squad in order to make the leap in quality. With their lack of options penalising them last season, both in domestic competition and in Europe. But new coach Igor Tudor has already had huge problems managing the dressing room and crisis talks were held before the season began.

In third place, behind the massive capital project and the ambition of Lyon and Marseille, are Monaco who have added Takumi Minamino, Wissam Ben Yedder and Aleksandr Golovin.

There's also the new-look Lille with Jonathan David and there's Nice with rising star Amine Gouiri.

Faith in the coaches

Close to 350 million euros has been spent so far by French clubs to strengthen their squads.

In terms of coaches, there has been less turnover. Galtier (PSG), Tudor (Marseille), Paulo Fonseca (Lille), Lucien Favre (Nice) will have big tasks on their hands.