Lyon defended the title ahead of SIX other teams in a frantic new dawn for Ligue 1 in 2002/03.
No side had been successful in defending the title for more than a decade, but this run was broken by Lyon who won their second-ever Ligue 1 title, beating off challenges from no less than six clubs.
Their total of 68 points may not have been enough to claim a spot in the Champions League these days, but it was enough in the first-ever 'Ligue 1' season. The LFP had chosen to implement a new makeover for the old Division 1, with Monaco (67), Marseille (65) Bordeaux (64), Saint-Etienne (64) and Auxerre (64) all harbouring genuine title hopes until the end.
CHANGES
Liverpool were the big shoppers in France in the summer of 2002, on the back of a positive World Cup for Senegal. The English side saw fit to prise Salif Diao and El Hadji Diouf to Anfield, while also picking up no-nonsense midfielder Bruno Cheyrou.
Andre Luiz was the big signing, quitting Corinthians for PSG in an 11 million euro deal, while big forward Jean Claude Darcheville moved to Bordeaux in the close season.
SEASON SUMMARY
2002-03 proved to be a very topsy-turvy season for all concerned. First, no less than 10 teams occupied the top spot throughout the campaign, a then-record for the French top tier. No side, not even the future champions Lyon had occupied the lead for more than a month at a time, and even then - it was unheralded Nice who managed that feat. In fact, the southern club had reached top spot on no less than 4 occasions, but a disastrous second half of the campaign saw them finish only in 10th spot.
By the halfway point, Les Aiglons were 2nd, a point behind Marseille but one clear of Monaco, Lyon and Auxerre.
No side could muster a strong challenge - and with 7 teams in the mix - including a Guingamp side inspired by Didier Drogba and Florent Malouda - it seemed that each side had been intent on taking points off every other time, with the league unable to generate a dominant contender.
In the end, it largely depended on who would stumble over the line first - and it proved to be Paul Le Guen’s Lyon, who despite winning just 50% of their matches - like Monaco, and Marseille, won the title on account of losing less games. The title was sealed with a 1-1 draw against a poor Montpellier side with one game to spare.
AWARDS
PLAYER OF THE SEASON
PAULETA
The fan favourite was named player of the season for his commanding performances up front, though Bordeaux could only muster a 4th place finish in a crowded league.
MANAGER OF THE SEASON
GUY LACOMBE
The wily manager was awarded the title after steering Sochaux back into European contention - as the Montbeliard club finished just four points from the title, despite a vastly inferior budget to sides around them.
YOUNG PLAYER OF THE SEASON
LIONEL MATHIS
The then 21-year-old was a surprise recipient for the award, as he proved a key component of the Auxerre side who ultimately finished 6th.
TOP GOALSCORER
SHABANI NONDA
The Congolese forward nudged ahead of Pauleta (26 to 23) to secure the award, though his goals were unfortunately not able to power Monaco to a first title in three years.
TEAM OF THE SEASON
COUPET; RADET, VAN BUYTEN, MEXES, DOS SANTOS; ESSIEN, PEDRETTI, ROTHEN; GIULY; NONDA, PAULETA
MOST EXPENSIVE TRANSFER
Andre Luiz
Corinthians to PSG
€11M
KEY MOMENT OF THE SEASON
Having fallen to defeat to Monaco weeks before this fixture, a crucial victory against the capital club put Lyon on the brink - with rivals Bordeaux, Monaco and Marseille ready to pounce. But a narrow victory meant they were just a point from the title, and it was gained against Montpellier in the next game.
Lyon 
PSG 
