LFP: 46% of French people interested in football in 2025-26

As in 2023-24 and 2024-25, 46% of French people are interested in football in 2025-26, remaining the most popular sport in France. This is one of the key findings of the annual Ipsos barometer on interest in, engagement with and the image of sports, competitions and professional football clubs, commissioned by the Ligue de Football Professionnel and Foot Unis, the results of which were published on 07/04/2026.

Football ranks ahead of tennis (38%), which overtakes rugby (36%, down 4 points from 40% in 2024-25 and 39% in 2023-24).

"The image of football stands at 46% (+5 points), a record, although it remains below that of other sports such as basketball (72%), rugby (71%) and tennis (70%). The trend is even more pronounced among those interested in football for Ligue 1 McDonald’s, with a positive image rate reaching 90% (+7 points). This rate stands at 85% for Ligue 2 BKT (+3 points compared to the 2024-25 season)".

Other key figures include:
• interest among under-35s stands at 54% (-3 points), well ahead of tennis (41%);
• Ligue 1 McDonald’s records a record level of interest (37%, +1…