The Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1, formerly known as the Tunisian National Championship between 1956 and 1994, is the highest-level football competition in Tunisia and is organised by the Tunisian Football Federation and the Ligue Nationale du Football Professionnel. The history of the competition is somewhat complex, with the first edition being held in 1907 during the French protectorate in Tunisia, organised by the Union des Sociétés Françaises de Sports Athlétiques, it was played in a knockout format, with the first official match taking place on 9 June 1907. In 1921, the Tunisian Football Association League was founded. It is the Tunisian branch of the French Football Federation and a member of the North African Football League, which remained in operation until independence in 1956.

On 29 March 1957, the Tunisian Football Federation was founded, the official governing body for football championships in Tunisia. The Tunisian Championship became professional in the 1994–95 season following the establishment of the Ligue Nationale du Football Professionnel, and the competition took its current name. Espérance Sportive de Tunis is the club that has won the title the most with 34 titles, the last of which was in the 2024–25 season. Coach Faouzi Benzarti has won the tournament on a record ten occasions with Espérance de Tunis (5), Étoile du Sahel (4) and Club Africain (1), while Khalil Chemmam has won it twelve times, the most successful player, all with Espérance de Tunis.

The top two teams in the standings automatically qualify for the CAF Champions League, and the third-place team automatically qualifies for the CAF Confederation Cup, while the Tunisian Football Federation selects the clubs that qualify for the Arab Club Champions Cup. The Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 ranked first in the Arab world and Africa, and fifteenth globally, according to the 2019 IFFHS rankings.

History

USFSA Tunisian Football Championship

Racing Club de Tunis the first football team based in Tunisia in 1904.
A meeting of Ligue de Tunisie de Football Association, which has organized competitions in that period.

Football was born in Tunisia in 1904 with the unofficial creation of the Racing Club de Tunis, formalized in 1905 but which had to wait for the creation of other clubs in Tunis and Bizerte to participate in an official competition. Then the government is obliged to take an active interest in it. It distributed a few grants, though very small. A committee of the Union des Sociétés Françaises de Sports Athlétiques, responsible for the management of all sports in Tunisia, was then created.

In 1910, a first series championship was organized with the participation of the Racing Club, Sporting Club de Tunis, Lycée Carnot de Tunis, the Colonial School of Agriculture, the Football Club of Tunis and the Red Star Club de l'Ariana, and a second series made up of the second teams of Racing Club de Tunis, Sporting and Gallia Club. The national title is awarded after a final between Racing and Stade maritime de Bizerte (champion of the Mediterranean squadrons) with a score of 2–0.

There are then very few Tunisian player. But, surprisingly, La Dépêche tunisienne published on 12 June 1910 the list of players of the Khereddine Club team, called to play against the Ariana Club and who are all Tunisians. It is the first fully Tunisian team but which we have not heard from later and which precedes the Comète Club team, created in 1914 but which did not survive the First World War. The Racing Club won the championship in 1910, 1911 and 1914, then in 1920 and 1921, while Sporting de Ferryville was crowned in 1912 and 1913.

LTFA Championship

The championship became official with the creation of the Tunisian Football Association League in 1921 was established, which is the Tunisian branch of the French Football Federation. Until 1939, the title of champion was awarded following play-offs between regional champions. From 1946 to 1947, a championship of "excellence" (national division) is created and is contested at the national level. In 1944–1945, 1945–1946 and 1952–1953, the championship was not contested and replaced by a criterium (a sort of group tournament where participation was not compulsory). These years saw the creation of the Stade Tunisien (1948).

**Tunisia League 1: A Premier Soccer Tournament**

The Tunisia League 1, officially known as Ligue Professionnelle 1, is the top tier of professional football in Tunisia. Established in 1956, this prestigious tournament showcases the best clubs in the country, competing for glory and the coveted title of national champion.

Each season, the league features a dynamic mix of established powerhouses and emerging teams, creating an exciting and competitive atmosphere. With a format that typically includes a round-robin schedule, clubs face off in a series of matches, accumulating points to secure their position in the standings. The league not only highlights the skill and talent of Tunisian players but also serves as a platform for international stars to shine.

The Tunisia League 1 is known for its passionate fan base, with supporters bringing vibrant energy to stadiums across the nation. Matches are often marked by intense rivalries, particularly the clashes between historic clubs like Espérance de Tunis, Club Africain, and CS Sfaxien, which draw large crowds and create an electric atmosphere.

In addition to the league title, teams also compete for qualification to prestigious continental tournaments, such as the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup, further elevating the stakes and excitement of the competition.

As the league continues to grow in popularity and prestige, it remains a vital part of Tunisia's rich football culture, fostering local talent and contributing to the development of the sport in the region. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the game, the Tunisia League 1 promises thrilling matches, unforgettable moments, and a celebration of the beautiful game.