The 2009–10 Ligue 1 season was the 72nd since its establishment. Bordeaux were the defending champions. The fixtures were announced on 5 June 2009, and play commenced on 8 August and ended on 15 May 2010.[2][3] There were three promoted teams from Ligue 2, replacing the three teams that were relegated from Ligue 1 following the 2008–09 season. A total of 20 teams competed in the league with three clubs suffering relegation to the second division, Ligue 2. All clubs that secured Ligue 1 status for this season were subject to approval by the DNCG before becoming eligible to participate.[4][5] In addition, German sportswear company Puma became the official provider of match balls for the season after agreeing to a long term partnership with the Ligue de Football Professionnel.[6]
The season began on 8 August 2009 under a new format with 16 clubs beginning play simultaneously followed by 4 clubs competing the following day. Under the new format, the showcase match of the opening week will contest the winners of the league the previous season and the winners of the second division the previous season. In the match this year, defending championsBordeaux defeating second division championsLens 4–1 at the Stade Chaban-Delmas.
^Coupe de la Ligue winners Marseille finished as champions, fulfilling a finish of at least 4th place, thus their Europa League Third qualifying round berth will go to the 5th placed team in the league.
The nominees for the Player of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year, Young Player of the Year, Manager of the Year and Goal of the Year in Ligue 1. The winner was determine at the annual UNFP Awards, which was held on 9 May.[36] The winners are displayed in bold.
Longest second half injury time: 5 minutes and 56 seconds – Lens against Lille (20 September 2009).
On 9 August 2009, Bordeaux established a record for most consecutive league wins with 12 surpassing Lille who won 11 consecutive matches in 1949, winning their last four games of the 1948–49 season and their first seven in the 1949–50 season.[52] Bordeaux's streak began during the 2008–09 season on 14 March 2009 following a 2–1 victory over Nice.[53] The club broke the record on the opening match day of this season defeating Lens 4–1.[54] The record lasted for 14 matches before coming to an end on 30 August following the club's 0–0 draw with Marseille.
On 31 October 2009, Grenoble set a record for most consecutive losses in French football following the club's eleven straight league defeat, an 0–2 loss to Lille. The previous record of ten straight defeats, held by Sète, had been intact since 1947. The losing streak came to an end the following week, on 7 November, following the club's 0–0 draw with Monaco.[55]
^The DNGC is responsible for overseeing the legal and financial accounts of professional and amateur football clubs in France. If clubs operating in the football leagues of France did not meet the DNGC's expectations, they could face sanctions, such as relegation.
^"Actualités DNCG". LFP. Ligue de Football Professionnel. 26 May 2009. Archived from the original on 3 June 2009. Retrieved 26 May 2009.
^"Guyot signe deux saisons". L'équipe.fr. Agence France-Presse and L'équipe. 9 June 2009. Archived from the original on 17 September 2009. Retrieved 9 June 2009.
