Le Classique

Tom and Bappo review the wheeling and dealing in Ligue 1 this January from major sales to the EPL and the Saudi Pro League, to incoming loans for some of the most exciting talent on the continent (Endrick!). Note: this episode was recorded just before OM’s humiliating 5-0 defeat to PSG, and De Zerbi’s subsequent departure. 

Ligue 1 resumes this weekend and it is 'les Sang-et-Or', not PSG, that top the table. Tom and Bappo review an exciting first half of the season, with a title race very much on, a tight relegation dogfight. Liam Rosenior might also be discussed...

This is part 2 of a draft of France's also-rans. The rules are simple: max 3 caps, born before the year 2000, and each squad must contain at least 3 totally uncapped players.

In the first half of the draft, Bappo picked Bourigeaud, Pagis, Distin, Bonnissel, Monterrubio, and Rongier. Tom picked Ziani, Savidan, Malbranque, Mendy, and Cheyrou. You join us as Tom ponders his sixth pick.

With the World Cup a few months away, Tom and Bappo pick their best 'also-rans' who didn't quite make it to les Bleus.

The rules of the draft are simple: max 3 caps, born before the year 2000, and each squad must contain at least three totally uncapped players. Episode features Mickael Pagis, Valerien Ismael, and the man who once gave Roberto Carlos the run-around. This is Part 1 of a two part draft.

Hey Bappo, what's the French for Va Va Voom? The Classique crew are joined by Matt Spiro from Across the Channel to discuss the best French player in EPL history: the incredible Thierry 'Titi' Henry.

From a list that featured such icons as Gilles Grimandi, Olivier Bernard, and Christophe Dugarry, we conclude with a player that defined Arsenal and the EPL in the 2000s. Should he have won the Ballon D'Or? Which one of his many incredible seasons was the best? And why is he not quite as beloved in France as he is across the Channel?

Pedro Miguel Pauleta made an instant impact on his debut for Bordeaux and later became one of PSG's most beloved players. Brilliant goals, a gentleman, and a man for the big occasion (if you exclude Euro 2004). Tom and Bappo reflect on a true Ligue 1 Legend.

PSG might be at the top, but it's tight, with only 3 points separating the top six in Ligue 1. Tom and Bappo reflect on what feels like a positive start to the new season, with several feel good stories. Features discussion of the Ligue 1 + app, Pierre Sage's brilliant start at RC Lens, and Ilan Kebbal's outrageous tekkers.

Better late than never... After N'Golo Kante (5), Nicolas Anelka (4), and Patrick Vieria (3), Le Classique finalise their series on the best French players in Premier League history with 'le King' Cantona.

Tom and Bappo reflect on his turbulent time in France before moves to Leeds and United, and contemplate the enormous cultural impact of this charismatic, unique, and brilliant trailblazer.

Ligue 1 is broke. But could that make things more interesting? Tom and Bappo preview the upcoming 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season. Expect reviews of transfer business, TV deals, and reflections on the high number of 'bounce-back' players plying their trade in France's top division this year.

In light of the overperformance of French clubs in the Champions' League, Tom and Bappo revisit the last time a French side produced a truly epic underdog campaign: AS Monaco's 03-04 European adventure. Featuring the mother fo all revenge performances' versus Real Madrid....