Ligue 1 news

The Christmas period is upon us, which means we are somehow already more or less at the midway point of the 2025-26 football season. As many of Europe's leading leagues pause for the winter break, it's time to take stock and reflect on four scintillating months of action. It's also the opportune moment to assess those players who completed transfers across the continent in the summer, now that they have a decent sample size of games under their belts.

Liverpool are weighing up a bold six-month loan move for Paris Saint-Germain striker Goncalo Ramos following a devastating injury to Alexander Isak, which has left Arne Slot short in attack. With the Reds facing a crucial period of the season, the Premier League champions are exploring short-term solutions to maintain their title push while their record signing recovers.

With the halfway stage of the season upon us, the time has come to shine a spotlight on the players who have made the biggest impact across Europe's major leagues. But first, let's run through the lay of the land.

Paul Pogba has been told that he has virtually no chance of making France’s World Cup squad, despite returning to action at Monaco, with Frank Leboeuf rating the former Manchester United and Juventus star as a “five per cent” shot to get the call from Didier Deschamps. A man that captured a global crown in 1998 has jokingly told GOAL that Zinedine Zidane stands as much chance of getting the nod as Pogba does.

Vinicius Jr sent a heartfelt message to Endrick after the Brazilian star sealed a loan move to Lyon. The move represents a decisive step away from the Santiago Bernabeu spotlight and towards regular football. The 19-year-old has struggled to force his way into the picture under new head coach Xabi Alonso and will now spend the remainder of the campaign in Ligue 1 with Lyon, a club eager to harness his raw potential.

Paul Pogba has been described as 'humble' and a 'world-class player' by Monaco team-mate Lamine Camara having made a fine impression since joining the club this summer. The former Manchester United and Juventus star joined the Ligue 1 side after nearly two years out of football following a doping ban, with his initial four-year suspension reduced on appeal.

Real Madrid outcast Endrick has sealed a loan transfer to Ligue 1 side Lyon for the rest of the 2025-26 season. The Brazilian youngster moves in search of regular game time after struggling for minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu under Xabi Alonso. Endrick is clearly thrilled to seal the deal, saying "Christmas has come early" after making the move from the Spanish capital.

Kylian Mbappe has been told that Paris Saint-Germain would not have won the Champions League had he stuck around in France, with it “fantasy” to believe that European success could ever have been savoured with the France international, Lionel Messi and Neymar lining up in the same starting XI. World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf has explained to GOAL why that is the case.

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly weighing up an unprecedented contract proposal for Luis Enrique. Appointed in 2023 to replace Christophe Galtier, the Spaniard inherited a club long defined by domestic dominance but haunted by European frustration. Less than two years on, PSG are no longer chasing history; they are living it.

Lyon have reached an agreement with Real Madrid over a loan move for Brazil wonderkid Endrick. The Ligue 1 side were seeking a striker following the departures of Alexandre Lacazette and Georges Mikautadze during the summer window, and are set to reinforce their ranks for the second-half of the season with Los Blancos' young forward on his way to France.

Mason Greenwood has been applauded for the “against all odds” impact that he has made in French football. World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf, who is a Marseille native, has told GOAL why the former Manchester United forward deserves immense credit for what he has achieved at Stade Velodrome. He has also addressed the transfer talk that Greenwood continues to generate.

Monaco boss Sebastien Pocognoli has addressed growing concern around Paul Pogba’s stuttering comeback after again opting to rest the midfielder, insisting patience is required following his long absence from football. The Frenchman’s limited minutes since returning from a doping ban have sparked debate, but the Belgian coach remains calm about his situation.

Kylian Mbappe has received a birthday message from an unlikely source after winning a court case against Paris Saint-Germain over unpaid wages and bonuses. The Real Madrid star sought £231.5 million (€264m/$310m) from his former club, while the French giants counter-sued the France captain for £211m (€243m/$282m). Not long after the forward came out on top in this long-running dispute, PSG appear to be taking the high road.

Endrick has been told to join Tottenham by ex-Brazil star Sandro to reignite his flailing career. Signed from Palmeiras in 2022 in a deal that could rise to €60 million (£52.5m/$70.5m), the Brazilian forward was heralded as one of the most exciting teenagers in world football. His first season in Spain hinted at that promise, with seven goals across 37 appearances under Carlo Ancelotti. However, since the Italian left the Spanish capital, things have not gone according to plan for Endrick.

Arsenal have been warned that they face the threat of enduring a bleak Harry Kane-esque scenario if major silverware is not captured soon. The Gunners have remained in contention for top honours across recent seasons, only to be left empty-handed. Frank Leboeuf has told GOAL why that lack of tangible success could lead the likes of William Saliba to explore transfer opportunities elsewhere.

Mason Greenwood has enjoyed a prolific run of form at Marseille since he joined from Manchester United in the summer of 2024. He finished as the joint-top scorer in Ligue 1 with 21 goals, a stunning return that helped secure the club's Champions League qualification. His form has led to speculation he could be tempted away from the French side, and club president Pablo Longoria has now offered an update on the situation.

Nice are currently six points clear of the relegation zone, but their form is declining fast. They’re struggling both on and off the pitch.