The derby between Red Star and Paris FC does not have the same level of fame as an OL–Saint-Étienne or an RC Lens–LOSC rivalry, but it has a unique history and a rivalry of its own.
On one side, Red Star represents one of the most historic clubs in French football. Founded in 1897, the Saint-Ouen-based club is over a century old and deeply connected to its local roots. Saint-Ouen was once part of the ceinture rouge (“red belt”), a group of municipalities in the Paris suburbs historically governed by Communist-led administrations. Red Star has long embraced a popular, activist culture and a left-wing identity, setting it apart from many modern professional football clubs.
On the other side, Paris FC is a much younger club, founded in 1969 with the ambition of establishing a major football team in the capital. After years of searching for a strong identity, PFC is now entering a new phase of development following the arrival of powerful investors, including the Arnault family, the billionaire owners of LVMH, who acquired a majority stake in the club.
Paris FC has now moved to Jean-Bouin Stadium, located in the upscale 16th arrondissement of Paris.
A Rivalry Also Marked by Tensions Between Supporters
Like many derbies, Red Star–Paris FC has experienced episodes of tension away from the pitch. In 2014, clashes broke out between groups of supporters from both sides. During a National league derby held at Charléty Stadium, a fight took place near Porte d’Italie between fans claiming links to the two clubs. Smoke bombs and improvised weapons were reportedly used, leaving several people with minor injuries and leading to arrests.
A few weeks later, further incidents surrounding a French Cup match in Saint-Brice reignited concerns over the rivalry. Officials from both clubs condemned the violence and distanced themselves from the groups involved.
Frequent Meetings in the Lower Divisions
Unlike the major French derbies built around Ligue 1 rivalries, Red Star–Paris FC has mostly been written in the lower leagues. The two teams have faced each other many times in the second division, National, and Ligue 2.
Ultimately, the Red Star–Paris FC derby is above all a clash between two visions of Parisian football. A century-old club deeply attached to its history versus a younger club driven by new and ambitious financial backing. Two opposite paths, but one shared objective: to establish themselves in a capital city that has long been dominated by PSG.
A Rivalry Currently on Hold?
Today, the rivalry between Red Star and Paris FC is on pause. Red Star currently plays in Ligue 2, while Paris FC returned to the top flight in 2025. The two clubs will therefore have to wait until they are once again in the same division for this Parisian derby to be renewed.
The most likely scenario for seeing this clash again would involve Red Star earning promotion to Ligue 1 in the coming seasons. The Saint-Ouen club finished third in Ligue 2 at the end of the 2025–26 season, confirming its ambitions of returning to the French top flight.
