The Challenge Espoirs is an under-23 men's football competition in France. Created in 2024, it is contested by twelve teams belonging to youth academies of professional clubs.
History
On 27 September 2024, the French Football Federation (FFF) announced the creation of the Challenge Espoirs, with the mission being to "give playing time to young players from the U18 to U23 categories, especially those are part of professional squads of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 clubs."[1] The first edition, established as an unofficial competition, would include twelve teams that belong to youth academies of professional clubs.[2]
Format
The competition is contested by twelve teams composed of under-17 through under-23 players. However, there is a maximum of five players that can come from the under-17 and under-18 categories.[3] The first edition was split into two groups of six teams that each compete against each other once, for a total of five matchdays.[4] At the end of the season, the top two teams of each group play semi-finals and a final to determine a champion.[1]
Reception
The creation of the Challenge Espoirs was received with unanimous satisfaction among participants. Some directors, such as Monaco director Sébastien Muet, spoke positively about the competition in the press.[5]
