Paris FC

{{Main|History of Paris FC}}

File:GC30.jpg, one of PFC's founding fathers.]]

In January 1969, the French Football Federation (FFF) initiated a plan to establish a major club in Paris, as the capital lacked a top-tier football team. To lead this effort, a dedicated committee was formed, headed by Fernand Sastre, Henri Patrelle, and Guy Crescent.{{cite book |last=Riolo |first=Daniel |title=Le Dictionnaire du PSG |publisher=Hugo Sport |year=2014 |chapter=Introduction: "Le PSG, un trentenaire show-biz"}} A month later, the FFF launched a public campaign with the slogan "Yes to a great football club in Paris", distributing ballots through newspapers and at stadiums across the Paris region. The campaign yielded around 60,000 responses, with "Paris Football Club" (or "Football-Club de Paris") emerging as the favorite name among the public. The first general assembly of Paris FC, officially created the club, two presidents were appointed: Guy Crescent and Pierre-Étienne Guyot.{{cite news |last=Coffin |first=Xavier |title=Why PSG is called Paris Saint-Germain |url=https://sport24.lefigaro.fr/football/ligue-1/actualites/pourquoi-le-psg-s-appelle-paris-saint-germain-710402 |work=Sport24 |date=24 September 2014 |access-date=11 May 2025}} Crescent, Guyot, and Patrelle soon faced significant financial hurdles in moving the project forward. Their breakthrough came after meeting Real Madrid president Santiago Bernabéu,{{cite news | title = 6 interesting facts you should know about Paris Saint Germain | url = https://www.discoverwalks.com/blog/facts-about-paris-saint-germain/ | work = Discover Walks Blog | date = 20 August 2018 | access-date = 28 March 2019 | archive-date = 8 August 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200808060912/https://www.discoverwalks.com/blog/facts-about-paris-saint-germain/ | url-status = live }} who advised them to start a public subscription campaign to raise the necessary funds, a suggestion they would later follow.{{cite news | title = Political and Organizational Factors of PSG | url = https://firstrosettastoneassignment.weebly.com/political-and-organizational-factors-of-psg.html| work = Sports and Leisure in France | access-date = 10 March 2019}}

Seeking entry into Division 1, Paris FC approached CS Sedan Ardennes for a merger, but Sedan declined due to a previous failed attempt with Racing. With the FFF under pressure to bring top-flight football back to the capital,{{cite magazine |last=Urbini |first=Max |title=Paris needs a club in Division 1 |magazine=France Football |issue=1255 |date=21 April 1970}} Paris FC merged with Stade Saint-Germain to form Paris Saint-Germain in 1970.{{cite magazine |title=Merger between Stade Saint-Germain and Paris FC |magazine=France Football |issue=1260 |date=3 June 1970}}{{cite magazine |title=Paris FC joins the National Division |magazine=France Football |issue=1261 |date=2 June 1970}}{{cite book |title=FFF National Competitions Handbook 1970–71 |publisher=FFF |year=1970 |pages=47–55}} For the first time in France, fans helped fund a club’s creation. Paris FC provided financial backing, while Stade Saint-Germain contributed players, manager Pierre Phelipon, Camp des Loges, and their Division 2 status.{{cite web |title=The history of PSG |url=http://psg70.free.fr/historique.htm |website=PSG70 |access-date=11 May 2025}} However, the club soon faced financial trouble, with losses of 205,000 francs.{{cite magazine |title=Financial report of PSG 1970–71 |magazine=Paris Saint-Germain Magazine |issue=1 |date=September 1971 |pages=12–13}}

In September 1971, the Paris City Council offered 850,000 francs to cover PSG’s debt, demanding the name be changed to "Paris Football Club" to reflect the capital more closely.{{cite news | title = 20 juin 1972, il y a 47 ans: le divorce PSG-PFC est consommé… | url = http://www.paris-canalhistorique.com/20-juin-1972-il-y-43-ans-le-divorce-psg-pfc-est-consomme/ | work = Paris.canal-historique | date = 20 June 2019| access-date = 29 April 2020 | archive-date = 20 June 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190620102103/http://www.paris-canalhistorique.com/20-juin-1972-il-y-43-ans-le-divorce-psg-pfc-est-consomme/| url-status = live }} President Guy Crescent supported the change, but Henri Patrelle opposed it.{{cite news | title = Présidents + entraîneurs | url = http://www.psgfc.fr/le-psg/pr%C3%A9sidents-entra%C3%AEneurs/ | work = PSGFC | access-date = 7 April 2020 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210116053258/http://www.psgfc.fr/le-psg/pr%C3%A9sidents-entra%C3%AEneurs/ | archive-date = 16 January 2021 | df = dmy-all }} Crescent resigned in December 1971 and Patrelle took over, but the council held firm. After merging the two clubs, they separated again, and the split became official on June 1, 1972.{{cite news | title = A brief history: Paris FC | url = https://medium.com/@thefootballcult/a-brief-history-paris-fc-a06127e2572a | work = thefootballcult – Medium | date = 16 January 2018 | access-date = 2 April 2019 | archive-date = 2 April 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190402075820/https://medium.com/@thefootballcult/a-brief-history-paris-fc-a06127e2572a | url-status = live }} Paris FC retained the first division status and professional players, while PSG was relegated to Division 3 and lost its professional status.

At the start of the 1972–73 season, Paris FC were in the top flight, playing at the Parc des Princes.{{cite web |title=FOOT: Red Star - Paris FC, 40 years of derby |url= http://www.leparisien.fr/sports/iledefrance/foot-paris-fc-red-star-40-ans-de-derby-28-02-2013-2605775.php |work=leparisien.fr |date=28 February 2013 |access-date=21 February 2015}} Bound by professional contracts, most players, including captain Jean Djorkaeff and Bernard Guignedoux, stayed with the club. Two seasons later, PFC were relegated to Division 2 as PSG rose to the top flight and claimed the Parc.{{cite web |title=When a European Champion signs with PFC… |url=http://www.parisfootballclub.com/club/pfc-story-quand-un-champion-deurope-signe-au-pfc/ |work=parisfootballclub.com |date=27 January 2015 |access-date=20 February 2015 |author=Philippe Descottes }} Exiled to the rundown Stade de la Porte de Montreuil and stripped of professional status, PFC fielded a squad of local and reserve players under Antoine Dalla Cieca. After a stadium fire and years of instability, they returned to professionalism in 1976 and earned promotion back to Division 1 for 1978–79.{{cite web |title=1978–79: The Way of the Cross of Paris FC |url=http://racingstub.com/articles/16824-1978-79-le-chemin-de-croix-du-paris-fc |work=racingstub.com |date=30 January 2015 |access-date=19 February 2015}} But lacking depth and direction, they finished bottom. Europe 1 briefly funded the club, renaming it "Paris 1",{{cite web |title=PARIS F.C. |url=http://www.thinesclaude.com/paris-football-club.php |work=thinesclaude.com |access-date=21 February 2015}} but a 7–1 loss to Monaco and defeat in the play-offs to Lens sent them back down. That season saw a record 41,025 spectators attend a match against Saint-Étienne.

File:Victoire Matra - Jean-Luc Lagardère.jpg, one of PFC's owners.]]

Over the next seasons, the club narrowly avoided further relegation but amassed heavy debts, prompting FFF intervention.{{cite web |title=From the 70s to Today |url=http://allezracing.foot.free.fr/histoire2.htm |work=Allez Racing! |access-date=19 August 2012}} Industrialist Jean-Luc Lagardère sought to build a major Parisian club{{cite book |last=Gammelsæter |first=Hallgeir |title=The Organisation and Governance of Top Football Across Europe: An Institutional Perspective |publisher=Routledge |year=2011 |pages=125–126 |isbn=978-0-415-88378-8 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e2usAgAAQBAJ|access-date=2 March 2015 |language=en}} and, after Racing Club de France declined a merger, he bought PFC. Renamed "Racing Paris 1", the club stayed up, and in 1983 its first team merged with Racing’s. The remaining club, "Paris FC 83", was relegated to the fourth division.{{cite web |title=Paris Football Club |url=http://www.pari-et-gagne.com/parisfc.html |work=pari-et-gagne.com |accessdate=23 February 2015}} With few resources, they dropped to the fifth tier but climbed back to Division 3 in 1988. Businessman Bernard Caïazzo aimed for promotion in 1990, but the club only finished 12th.{{cite web |title=Division 3 Gr. East 1990 |url=http://www.footballenfrance.fr/ligue416.php?niveau=Division%203\&poule=Est\&annee=1990 |work=footballenfrance.fr |access-date=18 January 2015}} Renamed "Paris FC 98" in support of France’s 1998 FIFA World Cup bid, they narrowly missed promotion in 1992.{{cite web |author=Claude Baudry |title=LE PARIS FC RATE LE COCHE |url=https://www.humanite.fr/node/33195 |work=L'Humanité |date=18 May 1992 |access-date=15 January 2015}}

In 1996, the club became "Paris FC 2000", remained in Division 3, and became a founding member of the Championnat National. Relegated in 2000 to the Championnat de France amateur, the club reverted to "Paris Football Club" in 2005. Under Jean-Marc Pilorget, they won CFA Group D in 2006 and returned to the Championnat National. In 2007, they moved into the Stade Sébastien Charléty.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-29 |title=Le Paris FC au Parc des Princes si le PSG s'en va? Pierre Ferracci est catégorique |url=https://rmcsport.bfmtv.com/football/ligue-2/le-paris-fc-au-parc-des-princes-si-le-psg-s-en-va-pierre-ferracci-est-categorique\_AV-202503290152.html|access-date=2025-05-10 |website=RMC Sport |language=fr}}

Following its return to the third tier of French football, Paris FC immediately set a goal of promotion to Ligue 2 by 2009.{{cite web |title=Créteil and Villemomble kick things off |url=http://www.leparisien.fr/seine-et-marne/creteil-et-villemomble-ouvrent-le-bal-03-08-2007-2008259082.php |work=leparisien.fr |date=3 August 2007 |access-date=11 January 2015 |author=S.B.}} However, the plan failed and over the following years, the club remained in the third division and after a successful 2014–15 campaign, the club gained promotion to Ligue 2, the French second division, alongside its local rival Red Star, after a 32-year absence.{{cite web |title=Paris FC and Bourg-Péronnas promoted to Ligue 2, not Strasbourg |url=http://www.eurosport.fr/football/national/2014-2015/le-paris-fc-accede-a-la-ligue-2-pas-strabourg_sto4747697/story.shtml |work=eurosport.fr |date=22 May 2015 |access-date=23 May 2015}} The following season, the club was relegated back to the Championnat National for the 2016–17 season.{{cite news |language=fr |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Ligue-2-le-paris-fc-et-creteil-relegues-en-national/669196 |title=Ligue 2: Le Paris FC et Créteil relégués en National, Metz à un pas de la montée |date=6 May 2016 |website=L'Équipe |access-date=21 December 2017}} In the 2016–17 season, Paris FC made the playoff/relegation final against Orleans but lost over the two legged game on aggregate. Paris FC were then administratively promoted to Ligue 2 after Bastia were demoted to the third division for financial irregularities.{{cite web|url=http://www.thestoppagetime.com/ligue-2-paris-fc-promoted-to-second-division/|title=Ligue 2: Paris FC Promoted To Second Division|website=thestoppagetime.com|access-date=28 March 2018|archive-date=29 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229170345/http://www.thestoppagetime.com/ligue-2-paris-fc-promoted-to-second-division/|url-status=live}} For the 2017–18 Ligue 2 season, Paris FC finished 8th in the table but at one stage occupied the promotion places.{{cite web |url=http://www.ligue1.com/ligue2/classement |title=French Football League – Domino's Ligue 2 – League Table |publisher=Ligue1.com |access-date=18 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150310053417/http://www.ligue1.com/ligue2/classement |archive-date=10 March 2015 }}

In July 2020, a new strategic economic partner joined Paris FC to support the club's development and ambitions the Kingdom of Bahrain. The deal was completed with a capital investment to improve the finances of the club, giving Bahrain 20% of the equity. Pierre Ferracci, who owned the club under the Alpha Group ({{langx|fr|Groupe Alpha}}) remained the main shareholder with a contribution of 77%. In addition, the Kingdom of Bahrain became the main sponsor of the club.{{cite news |last=Chalandon |first=Sorj |url=http://www.filpac-cgt.fr/spip.php?article6367 |title=Amis des salariés, conseils des patrons (Le Canard Enchaîné - La mare aux canards) |trans-title=Friends of employees, employers' councils (Le Canard Enchaîné - La mare aux canards) |language=fr |work=filpac cgt (filpac-cgt.fr) |date=10 January 2014 |access-date=3 August 2021 |archive-date=25 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425205239/http://www.filpac-cgt.fr/spip.php?article6367}}

In October 2024, it was reported that the Arnault family would purchase a majority ownership stake in Paris FC, along with a minority ownership by Red Bull GmbH.{{cite web |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/sport/article/2024/10/09/le-paris-fc-bientot-rachete-par-la-famille-arnault-et-le-groupe-red-bull_6347670_3242.html |title=Le Paris FC bientôt racheté par la famille Arnault et le groupe Red Bull |trans-title = Paris FC soon to be bought by the Arnault family and the Red Bull group |publisher=Le Monde |language=fr |date=9 October 2024 |access-date=10 October 2024}} On 29 November 2024, the acquisition was made official, with the Arnault family buying a 52.4% stake through holding company Agache Sport.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-29 |title=Le Paris FC officialise l'évolution de son actionnariat - Paris FC |url=https://parisfc.fr/club/le-paris-fc-officialise-levolution-de-son-actionnariat/ |access-date=2025-05-03 |language=fr-FR}}{{Cite news |date=2024-11-29 |title=Ligue 2. Le Paris FC officiellement racheté par la famille Arnault avec le soutien de Red Bull |url=https://www.ouest-france.fr/sport/football/paris-fc/ligue-2-le-paris-fc-officiellement-rachete-par-la-famille-arnault-avec-le-soutien-de-red-bull-346ec568-ae85-11ef-b968-56ee5c51c9ef#:~:text=Ligue%202.-,Le%20Paris%20FC%20officiellement%20rachet%C3%A9%20par%20la%20famille%20Arnault%20avec,op%C3%A9ration,%2010%20%25%20du%20PFC. |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241208105424/https://www.ouest-france.fr/sport/football/paris-fc/ligue-2-le-paris-fc-officiellement-rachete-par-la-famille-arnault-avec-le-soutien-de-red-bull-346ec568-ae85-11ef-b968-56ee5c51c9ef |archive-date=2024-12-08 |access-date=2025-05-03 |work=Ouest-France.fr |language=fr-FR}} Pierre Ferracci retained a 29.8% stake through Alter Paris, while Red Bull GmbH acquired 10.6% and BRI Sports Holdings held a 7.2% stake in the club.

On 12 February 2025, Paris FC reached an agreement with rugby union club Stade Français for the team to move to their Stade Jean-Bouin, located in the 16th arrondissement, ahead of the 2025–26 season.{{Cite web |last=AFP |date=2025-02-12 |title=D'accord avec le Stade Français, le Paris FC jouera à Jean-Bouin |url=https://ligue1.fr/articles/l1_article_1914-d-accord-avec-le-stade-francais-le-paris-fc-jouera-a-jean-bouin |access-date=2025-05-05 |website=Ligue 1 |language=en}} On 2 May 2025, Paris FC achieved promotion to Ligue 1, returning to the highest tier of French football after a 46-year absence.{{Cite web |date=2025-05-02 |title=Paris FC join PSG in Ligue 1 for 1st time in 46 yrs |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44971242/paris-fc-promotion-psg-ligue-1-1st-1979-france |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}

The identity of Paris FC has evolved significantly since its creation, shaped by mergers, political influence, and rebranding efforts to reinforce its association with the French capital. Initially formed in 1969 through a French Football Federation (FFF) initiative to establish a major Parisian club, Paris FC merged in 1970 with Stade Saint-Germain to form Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). However, the union was short-lived. In 1972, under pressure from the Paris City Council—which refused to support a club based outside the city and demanded a more Parisian identity—the two entities split.{{cite web |title=Le divorce Paris FC - PSG |url=https://www.paris-canalhistorique.com/1972-le-divorce-entre-le-paris-fc-et-le-psg/ |website=Paris.canal-historique |accessdate=11 May 2025}}

In the following years, Paris FC undertook several identity changes to strengthen its connection with Paris. During a brief return to the top flight in 1978–79, the club temporarily rebranded as "Paris 1" with backing from Europe 1 radio and the city council.{{cite web |title=Paris FC, le club oublié de la capitale |url=https://thinesclaude.wixsite.com/paris-fc|website=ThinesClaude.com |accessdate=11 May 2025}} In the early 1980s, the club again changed its name to "Racing Paris 1" after merging with Racing Club de France's first team, a move driven by businessman Jean-Luc Lagardère’s ambition to create a dominant Parisian club.{{cite web |title=Histoire du Racing Club de France Football |url=http://www.allezracing.com/historique.htm|website=Allez Racing |accessdate=11 May 2025}} The merger left the original Paris FC entity relegated to the amateur divisions under the name "Paris Football Club 83". Further branding efforts followed in the 1990s: in 1991, the club became "Paris FC 98" to align with France's bid to host the 1998 FIFA World Cup,{{cite news |title=Paris FC 98 repart à zéro |url=https://www.humanite.fr/node/113233|newspaper=L’Humanité |date=22 June 1992 |accessdate=11 May 2025}} and in 1996, it was renamed "Paris FC 2000", before eventually, in 2005, the club returned to its original name, "Paris Football Club".

Paris FC's club colors have evolved significantly since its inception, reflecting its complex history and identity. Initially, following the 1970 merger with Stade Saint-Germain to form Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the team adopted red and blue to represent Paris and white to symbolize the royal town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. After the 1972 split from PSG, Paris FC chose orange kits, influenced by their sponsor Bic, marking a period of corporate branding but also a departure from the club's earlier colors.{{cite web|title=PSG70: Histoire du Paris Saint Germain|url=http://psg70.free.fr/historique.htm|access-date=28 March 2018|website=psg70.free.fr|archive-date=8 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170608011115/http://psg70.free.fr/historique.htm|url-status=live}} During the late 1970s and early 1980s, the club switched to sky blue, a nod to its historical ties with Racing Club de France, whose colors were sky blue.{{cite web|title=Paris Football Club|url=http://histoire.maillots.free.fr/football_francais/paris_fc.html|website=histoire.maillots.free.fr|access-date=21 February 2015|archive-date=27 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127003433/http://histoire.maillots.free.fr/football_francais/paris_fc.html|url-status=live}} In the early 2000s, Paris FC moved to dark navy blue, a color that connects to Paris's historical symbolism, notably through the Eiffel Tower and Paris's coat of arms, both of which use similar tones.{{cite web|title=Grandes Equipes Paris FC|url=http://www.pari-et-gagne.com/equipe/equipe-parisfc.html|website=pari-et-gagne.com|access-date=23 January 2015|archive-date=1 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301022647/http://www.pari-et-gagne.com/equipe/equipe-parisfc.html|url-status=live}}

The club's first crest was consisted of a blue football features a minimalist circular design centered around a stylized white nave, a direct reference to the coat of arms of the city of Paris. The nave symbolizes the Nautes, a powerful guild of boatmen and merchants who managed the Parisian municipality during the Middle Ages. The surrounding circle is blue with red and white outlines, subtly echoing the French tricolore, reinforcing the club’s identity as deeply Parisian and French.{{cite web |title=Histoire des armes de Paris |url=https://www.paris.fr/pages/histoire-des-armes-de-paris-246 |website=paris.fr |publisher=Ville de Paris |access-date=14 May 2025}}{{cite book |last=Jones |first=Colin |title=Paris: Biography of a City |publisher=Penguin Books |year=2006 |chapter=The Middle Ages: Guilds and Government}}{{cite web |title=Paris FC – Histoire du club |url=https://parisfootballclub.com/club/histoire/ |website=Paris FC |access-date=14 May 2025}}

In the 1990s and 2000s, Paris FC adopted a more ornate and complex crest shaped like a stylized football, the badge incorporated dark blue and black tones. At the top of the crest, a detailed rendering of the Eiffel Tower asserting the club's Parisian identity, while the central nave remained as a consistent symbol of the city's medieval and municipal legacy.{{cite web |title=Logos de clubs de football français |url=https://maillots-footactu.fr/logos-clubs-football/ |website=Maillots Foot Actu |access-date=14 May 2025}}{{cite journal |last=Waller |first=Vincent |title=Branding the Game: Identity and Heritage in Football Crests |journal=International Review for the Sociology of Sport |volume=48 |issue=4 |year=2013 |pages=540–557}}{{cite web |title=Les symboles du Paris FC: de la Seine à la Tour Eiffel |url=https://footixstory.com/paris-fc-symboles-logo/ |website=Footix Story |access-date=14 May 2025}}

From 2011 onwards, Paris FC introduced a logo is shaped like a navy blue shield with rounded sky blue contours, exuding a professional and polished appearance. A stylized Eiffel Tower dominated the design, rendered in a minimalist and elegant line form, reinforcing the club's deep connection to the city of Paris. At the base of the crest, the nave reappeared once more, with the "Paris FC" written on top.{{cite web |title=Paris FC dévoile son nouveau logo |url=https://parisfootballclub.com/club/nouveau-logo-2011/ |website=Paris FC |date=12 July 2011 |access-date=14 May 2025}}{{cite book |last=Foster |first=Neil |title=The Football Crest Index |publisher=Floodlit Dreams |year=2018 |chapter=Paris FC}}{{cite web |title=How PSG Built a Global Brand |url=https://www.sportspromedia.com/insights/analysis/paris-saint-germain-global-brand-football-ligue-1-qatar/ |website=SportsPro Media |access-date=14 May 2025}}

Since its founding, Paris FC has played in several stadiums, most notably the Parc des Princes, Stade Déjerine, Stade Charléty, and, more recently, the Stade Jean-Bouin. The club played its home games at the newly rebuilt Parc des Princes from 1972 to 1974, and again in 1978–79, during its brief spells in Division 1, sharing the ground with Paris Saint-Germain at the time.{{cite web|title=Paris-fc Saison 1974|url=http://www.footballstats.fr/Paris-fc-saison-1974.html|access-date=7 January 2015|website=footballstats.fr}}{{cite web|title=Paris-fc Saison 1979|url=http://www.footballstats.fr/Paris-fc-saison-1979.html|access-date=7 January 2015|website=footballstats.fr}} Following the club's relegation in 1974, the team moved to the aging Stade de la Porte de Montreuil, later renamed Stade Déjerine, a modest ground with limited capacity. Paris FC remained there for many years, despite suffering from poor facilities and even a fire that destroyed the dressing rooms during the 1974–75 season.{{cite web|title=Déjerine, un stade à part|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/hauts-de-seine/dejerine-un-stade-a-part-16-09-2006-2007334781.php|access-date=18 January 2015|website=leparisien.fr|date=16 September 2006|author=Stéphane Corby}}

In 1999, Paris FC temporarily moved to the Stade Charléty as part of a bid to return to professional football, but after relegation, they returned to Déjerine until 2007.{{cite web|title=Le Paris FC jouera à Charlety|url=https://www.20minutes.fr/sport/165722-20070620-paris-fc-jouera-a-charlety|access-date=18 January 2015|website=20minutes.fr|date=20 June 2007}} That year, they permanently settled at Stade Charléty, and in 2013, due to low attendance and loosened FFF regulations, the club returned again to Déjerine for a short period.{{cite web|title=Le Paris FC retrouve son jardin|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/espace-premium/essonne-91/le-paris-fc-retrouve-son-jardin-16-08-2013-3056165.php|access-date=29 December 2014|website=leparisien.fr|date=16 August 2013}}{{cite web|title=Foot – National – Le Paris FC déménage à Déjérine|url=http://www.sportsco-idf.fr/football/foot-national-le-paris-fc-demenage-a-dejerine_8033|access-date=29 December 2014|website=sportsco-idf.fr|date=5 August 2013}}

In February 2025, Paris FC reached a landmark agreement with Stade Français to move into the Stade Jean-Bouin starting in the 2025–26 season. Located in the 16th arrondissement, Jean-Bouin offers a more enclosed and football-friendly environment. The move was strongly supported by Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer Jürgen Klopp, who pushed for the change due to Charléty’s poor matchday experience. Klopp believed the distant seating and track at Charléty diminished both fan engagement and player performance. The move aligned with Red Bull's football vision to build an intense and supportive home atmosphere and elevate Paris FC’s competitive stature in French football.{{cite web|title=Paris FC to move to Stade Jean-Bouin from 2025–26 season|url=https://example.com/paris-fc-jean-bouin-move|access-date=14 May 2025|website=example.com}}{{Cite web |date=2025-05-10 |title=Jürgen Klopp: Paris FC move 'exciting new challenge' |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cwy855222pjo |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=BBC Sport |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Soccer Dispatch |date=2025-05-08 |title=Paris FC is Jürgen Klopp's First Project Since Liverpool |url=https://thesoccerdispatch.substack.com/p/paris-fc-is-jurgen-klopps-first-project |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=The Soccer Dispatch |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Romero |first=Andrés |date=2025-05-06 |title=París desafía al PSG |url=https://as.com/futbol/internacional/paris-desafia-al-psg-n-2/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=AS |language=es}}{{Cite web |date=2025-05-09 |title=Paris FC – Klopp salue une « réussite extraordinaire » (Exclu) |url=https://sports.orange.fr/football/ligue-2/paris-fc/article/paris-fc-klopp-salue-une-reussite-extraordinaire-exclu-CNT000002iHpnw.html |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=Orange Sports |language=fr}}{{Cite web |date=2025-05-11 |title=Paris Poised for a Thrilling Soccer Rivalry as Ambitions Rise |url=https://azscore.com/news/football/2543888-paris-poised-for-a-thrilling-soccer-rivalry-as-ambitions-rise |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=AZScore |language=en}}

The club used to be the biggest and most well supported in the city, with over 20,000 supporter members at the time of the club's formation.{{cite web|title=PSG70: Histoire du Paris Saint Germain|url=http://psg70.free.fr/historique.htm|access-date=28 March 2018|website=psg70.free.fr|archive-date=8 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170608011115/http://psg70.free.fr/historique.htm|url-status=live}}

In 1970 the club merged with Stade Saint-Germain to form Paris Saint-Germain F.C., but quickly left the merger. In the 1973 season, the first after leaving, the club still averaged an attendance of 13,202.{{cite web|title=Paris-fc saison 1972 / 1973|url=http://www.footballstats.fr/Paris-fc-saison-1973.html|access-date=28 March 2018|website=www.footballstats.fr|archive-date=24 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224004550/http://www.footballstats.fr/Paris-fc-saison-1973.html|url-status=live}} However, after that, the two clubs' fortunes varied drastically, and as PSG's popularity rose, PFC fell into obscurity and languished in the amateur divisions. It is only when it reached the third tier its popularity started growing again. The club currently attracts thousands of fans for each league match.{{cite web |url=https://www.european-football-statistics.co.uk/attn/archive/fra/avefra24.htm |title=League Attendance – Archive France 2023–24 |website=european-football-statistics.co.uk |access-date=20 February 2025}}

In the 2000s the club had a supporter group called Blue Wolves founded in 2008. Officially apolitical, they tended to have right-wing views. However they were disbanded in 2010 after several hooligan incidents occurred, the last of which during a match against Gueugnon.{{cite web|title=Concernant les Blue Wolves [Paris FC]|url=http://www.camperemu.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=25942|access-date=28 March 2018|website=www.camperemu.com|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303234138/http://www.camperemu.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=25942|url-status=usurped}}{{cite web|title=Les hooligans du PFC|url=http://www.sofoot.com/les-hooligans-du-pfc-126677.html|access-date=28 March 2018|website=SOFOOT.com|date=22 May 2010 |archive-date=13 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213022503/http://www.sofoot.com/les-hooligans-du-pfc-126677.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|date=22 May 2010|title=Des hooligans gâchent la sortie du PFC - Le Parisien|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/sports/iledefrance/des-hooligans-gachent-la-sortie-du-pfc-22-05-2010-931865.php|access-date=23 April 2017|publisher=Leparisien.fr|archive-date=22 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322111141/http://www.leparisien.fr/sports/iledefrance/des-hooligans-gachent-la-sortie-du-pfc-22-05-2010-931865.php|url-status=live}}

They were replaced by the group Old Clan, founded in 2010, and ultras group Ultras Lutetia founded in the summer of 2014. After the expulsion of PSG fans from Parc des Princes in 2010,{{cite web|title=Paris is Earning - The Classical|url=http://theclassical.org/articles/paris-is-earning|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120131083608/http://theclassical.org/articles/paris-is-earning|archive-date=31 January 2012|access-date=28 March 2018|website=theclassical.org}} PFC has attracted some of that support, particularly from the left-wing group Virage Auteuil,{{cite web|title=Quand les supporters du PSG se retrouvent autour du PFC|url=http://www.20minutes.fr/sport/600302-20100922-sports-quand-supporters-psg-retrouvent-autour-pfc|access-date=28 March 2018|website=www.20minutes.fr|date=22 September 2010 |archive-date=30 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330012347/https://www.20minutes.fr/sport/600302-20100922-sports-quand-supporters-psg-retrouvent-autour-pfc|url-status=live}} but also a few from right-wing group Boulogne Boys.

The fans have a friendship with fans of Colmar, Hereford and in the past also fans of Reims.

The club has rivalries with fellow neighbours Créteil and Red Star.{{Cite web|title=Home • whatsthefoot.com|url=https://www.whatsthefoot.com/|website=whatsthefoot.com|access-date=9 January 2021|archive-date=12 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412032643/https://www.whatsthefoot.com/|url-status=live}} with whom they contest the Parisian derbies.{{cite web|title=On a assisté au derby Paris FC-Red Star|url=http://www.sofoot.com/on-a-assiste-au-derby-paris-fc-red-star-211547.html|access-date=28 March 2018|website=SOFOOT.com|date=8 November 2015 |archive-date=29 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329054158/http://www.sofoot.com/on-a-assiste-au-derby-paris-fc-red-star-211547.html|url-status=live}} Although both clubs are officially apolitical, due to Red Star fans left-wing political tendencies and PFC's past right-wing political tendencies, the derby is particularly fierce. The derby with Créteil is a geographical one as both clubs played in the southern suburbs of Paris.

{{Updated|28 April 2025}}{{cite news |title=Effectif et staff |url=https://parisfc.fr/equipe/equipe-premiere-fr/ |access-date=3 June 2024 |publisher=Paris FC |language=fr}}

{{Fs start}}

{{Fs player|no= 1|nat=FRA|name=Rémy Riou|pos=GK}}

{{Fs player|no= 2|nat=FIN|name=Tuomas Ollila|pos=DF}}

{{Fs player|no= 4|nat=FRA|name=Vincent Marchetti|pos=MF}}

{{Fs player|no= 5|nat=SEN|name=Moustapha Mbow|pos=DF}}

{{Fs player|no= 7|nat=FRA|name=Alimami Gory|pos=FW}}

{{Fs player|no= 8|nat=FRA|name=Lohann Doucet|pos=MF}}

{{Fs player|no= 9|nat=FRA|name=Andy Pembélé|pos=FW}}

{{Fs player|no=10|nat=ALG|name=Ilan Kebbal|pos=MF}}

{{Fs player|no=11|nat=CIV|name=Jean-Philippe Krasso|pos=FW}}

{{Fs player|no=12|nat=MLI|name=Nouha Dicko|pos=FW}}

{{Fs player|no=13|nat=FRA|name=Mathieu Cafaro|pos=FW}}

{{Fs player|no=15|nat=FRA|name=Timothée Kolodziejczak|pos=DF|other=captain}}

{{Fs player|no=16|nat=FRA|name=Obed Nkambadio|pos=GK}}

{{fs mid}}

{{Fs player|no=17|nat=FRA|name=Adama Camara|pos=MF}}

{{Fs player|no=18|nat=FRA|name=Omar Sissoko|pos=FW}}

{{Fs player|no=20|nat=ALG|name=Julien López|pos=FW}}

{{Fs player|no=21|nat=FRA|name=Maxime Lopez|pos=MF}}

{{Fs player|no=22|nat=MAR|name=Sofiane Alakouch|pos=DF}}

{{Fs player|no=26|nat=SEN|name=Lamine Gueye|pos=FW}}

{{Fs player|no=28|nat=BEL|name=Thibault De Smet|pos=DF|other=on loan from Reims}}

{{Fs player|no=29|nat=FRA|name=Pierre-Yves Hamel|pos=FW}}

{{Fs player|no=30|nat=FRA|name=Thomas Himeur|pos=GK}}

{{Fs player|no=31|nat=FRA|name=Samir Chergui|pos=DF}}

{{Fs player|no=33|nat=FRA|name=Dimitri Colau|pos=DF}}

{{Fs player|no=39|nat=MAR|name=Mathys Tourraine|pos=DF}}

{{Fs end}}

{{Fs start}}

{{Fs player|no=|nat=FRA|name=Jules Gaudin|pos=DF|other=on loan to Caen}}

{{Fs player|no=|nat=FRA|name=Yoan Koré|pos=DF|other=on loan to Clermont}}

{{Fs mid}}

{{Fs player|no=|nat=CTA|name=Gabriel Oualengbe|pos=MF|other=on loan to Toulon}}

{{Fs player|no=|nat=SWI|name=Josias Lukembila|pos=FW|other=on loan to Winterthur}}

{{Fs end}}

Below are the notable former players who have represented Paris and its predecessors in league and international competition since the club's foundation in 1969. To appear in the section below, a player must have played in at least 80 official matches for the club.

For a complete list of Paris players, see :Category:Paris FC players

{{div col|colwidth=22em}}

• {{flagicon|France}} Jean-François Beltramini
• {{flagicon|France}} Georges Eo
• {{flagicon|France}} Bernard Guignedoux
• {{flagicon|France}} Fabrice Moreau
• {{flagicon|France}} Jimmy Modeste
• {{flagicon|France}} Philippe Prieur
• {{flagicon|Algeria}} Lamri Laachi
• {{flagicon|Argentina}} Omar da Fonseca
• {{flagicon|Gabon}} Armand Ossey
• {{flagicon|Yugoslavia}} Dragoslav Šekularac

{{div col end}}

:As of 1st August 2020

{{columns-list|colwidth=22em|

• Louis Hon (1972–73){{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/players/trainers-fran-clubs.html|title=France - Trainers of First and Second Division Clubs|website=RSSSF|access-date=28 March 2018|archive-date=30 April 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430152450/http://www.rsssf.com/players/trainers-fran-clubs.html|url-status=live}}
• Antoine Dalla Cieca (1973–76)
• Robert Vicot (1976–79)
• Roger Lemerre (1979–81)
• Alberto Muro (1981–83)
• Luc Rabat (1983–86)
• Pierre Lechantre (1987–92)
• Hubert Velud (1992)
• Delio Onnis (1992–95)
• Hubert Velud (1995–99)
• Jean-François Charbonnier (1999)
• Jean-Pierre Carayon (1999 – November 99)
• Robert Buigues (November 1999–02)
• Philippe Lemaître (2002–04)
• Patrick Parizon (2002–05)
• Jean-Marc Pilorget (2005–07)
• Jean-Guy Wallemme (2007–08)
• Jean-Marc Pilorget (2008–09)
• Jean-Luc Vannuchi (2009–11)
• Alain Mboma (2011–12)
• Olivier Guillou (2012)
• Alexandre Monier (2012–13)
• Gaston Diamé (2013)
• Christophe Taine (2013–15)
• Denis Renaud (2015)
• Jean-Luc Vasseur (2015–16)
• Réginald Ray (2016–17)
• Fabien Mercadal (2017–18){{cite web|url=http://www.parisfc.fr/equipe-pro/communique-fabien-mercadal-remplace-reginald-ray/|title=Communiqué: Fabien Mercadal remplace Réginald Ray - Paris FC|date=21 June 2017|website=parisfc.fr|access-date=28 March 2018}}{{Dead link|date=January 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite web|url=http://www.foot-national.com/foot-caen-fabien-mercadal-nouveau-coach-off-108209.html|title=Caen: Fabien Mercadal nouveau coach (off)|publisher=foot-national.com|language=fr|date=8 June 2018|access-date=8 June 2018|archive-date=4 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004053358/https://www.foot-national.com/foot-caen-fabien-mercadal-nouveau-coach-off-108209.html|url-status=live}}
• Mehmed Baždarević (2018–19){{cite web|url=http://www.foot-national.com/foot-paris-fc-le-nouveau-coach-devoile-off-108427.html|title=Paris FC: The new coach unveiled (off)|publisher=foot-national.com|language=fr|date=15 June 2018|access-date=15 June 2018|archive-date=4 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004030735/https://www.foot-national.com/foot-paris-fc-le-nouveau-coach-devoile-off-108427.html|url-status=live}}
• René Girard (2019–21)
• Thierry Laurey (2021–23)
• Stéphane Gilli (2023–)

}}

• Ligue 2 (second tier)
• Runners-up (2) 1977–78 (Group B), 2024–25
• Championnat National (third tier)
• Runners-up: 2014–15
• Championnat National 2/French Division 4
• Winners: 2005–06 (Group D)
• Runners-up: 1988–89

{{Reflist}}

• [https://parisfc.fr/ parisfc.fr] – club's website

{{Commons category|Paris Football Club}}

{{Paris FC}}

{{Ligue 2}}

Category:Association football clubs established in 1969

Category:Football clubs in Paris

Category:1969 establishments in France

Category:13th arrondissement of Paris

Category:Ligue 1 clubs

Category:2024 mergers and acquisitions