The National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP) issued a statement this Friday containing several announcements. Notably, these concerned the arrival of “Ligue 3” (as the third division turns professional in France) and a major change: initial professional contracts for young players are no longer limited to a three-year term.
“Signing can take place as early as age 18.”
Furthermore, the UNFP and FOOT UNIS have announced an agreement to introduce—effective July 1, 2026, within the National Collective Agreement for Football Professions (the “Charter”) applicable to Ligue 1 and Ligue 2—an initial professional contract with a maximum duration of five seasons, which can be signed as early as age 18.
This five-year initial professional contract—something clubs have long advocated for—comes with increased minimum salary requirements.
Many voices in French football had called for this; indeed, it was a major battle for Leonardo during his stints as PSG’s sporting director. The previous three-year limit posed a challenge given the interest foreign clubs showed in French football talent. French clubs will now be better equipped to build solid long-term projects.
However, the specific mention of signing “as early as age 18” stands out, given that it was previously possible to sign professional contracts before that age. Does this represent a change? It could prove problematic, considering that young players are often approached at a very early stage.
