Founded in 1944, Lille are based in the northern Flanders region of France and have been in Ligue 1 for 25 consecutive seasons. They won the league and cup double in 2011 and ended PSG's title streak with a stunning league triumph in 2020-21.

Lille's strength lies in player development and shrewd recruitment. Hazard, Ousmane Dembele, Pepe, and Jonathan David all emerged from the club, with transfer income sustaining the business model. While they lack the resources of PSG, their scouting network and academy are among the most respected in Europe.

The Stade Pierre-Mauroy, opened in 2012, holds 50,157 spectators and features a retractable roof. Located in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, it hosted matches during Euro 2016 and the Basketball World Cup, establishing itself as a versatile events venue.

France's all-time top scorer Olivier Giroud returned to Lille from LAFC, coming full circle to the club where his top-level career began in 2010. At 38, his experience, goalscoring instinct, and leadership bring a new dimension to a young squad undergoing significant transition after the departures of Chevalier, Diakite, and David.