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Month: September 2025

AS Monaco Basket targets European Glory after star signing Mirotic

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
18/09/2025

AS Monaco Basket has officially kicked off their 2025/2026 campaign, coming back with bold championship ambitions and a reinforced squad. 

The Roca Team, who fell agonisingly short in last season’s EuroLeague final, gathered at the Café de la Rotonde on Tuesday morning to present this year’s line-up, headlined by new signing Nikola Mirotic and the return of Matthew Strazel.

Nikola Mirotic, the former NBA, has joined Monaco Basket with one burning objective in mind.

“I chose Monaco because I see this team, this squad as very ambitious, with big goals. This is a squad that wants to build something special,” said the 34-year old Montenegrin born naturalised Spanish international. “When you see those things, you want to be part of it. This is the reason I joined the team – to help achieve those goals.”

The experienced forward, who swapped the NBA for European basketball, acknowledges the expectations that weigh on him but relishes the challenge ahead.

“I like pressure, you cannot hide from the pressure, the expectations are big,” Mirotic explained. “If we work in the same direction, we trust each other and we are humble, I think we can do something special.”

Strazel ready after injury setback

Matthew Strazel is now back in full strength after his frustrating injury that forced him to miss EuroBasket – a rare setback in his career.

“I am very rarely injured and to have been through that for the first time was complicated,” Strazel reflected. “I found myself in a place that was not my destiny. I was complicated, I had to find motivation to continue.”

Now fully recovered, the French guard has his sights on a leadership role within the squad as Monaco Basket prepares for another European campaign.

While new coach Vassilis Spanoulis, is still to arrive, Alpha Diallo praised the squad’s preparation under interim coaching staff.

“I think the preparation was good, we have a good presence in the locker rooms,” said Diallo. “With the team we have come together and we know what to expect. We have all come back with the same mindset: stay in shape and when the coach comes, he beings his philosophy.”

General Manager Oleksiy Yefimov also talked about last season’s achievements, despite falling short of silverware.

“We want to prove that Monaco has everything to be competitive and to fight for the highest goals,” Yefimov stated. “Yes, unfortunately in the past year people may say that we ended up without a title, but I think runner-up of EuroLeague is a huge achievement. It’s not easy to be the second best team in Europe.”

Will Mike James be this season’s captain?

The question of team captaincy remains unresolved, with Mike James’s leadership role still to be determined by the squad itself.

President Alekszej Fedoricsev maintained the club’s democratic approach: “I have said it before and I’ll say it again, this is never my decision, it’s always the decision of the captain.”

However, Yefimov expressed confidence in James’ commitment to the squad: “I think he is fully committed. He is hungry, he is motivated, he is ready. There was no need to convince him to wear the ASM jersey. The entire locker room thinks the same thing, we all have the same goal.”

Beyond the court, Monaco continues to develop plans for a new multi-functional arena, with discussions ongoing with local government officials about the project.

Monaco Basket begins their competitive season this weekend in the inaugural SuperCup against Boulazac, before the EuroLeague returns to Gaston-Médecin on 1st October against Kaunas.

See also:

Interview: Oleksiy Yefimov, General Manager of AS Monaco Basket

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Main photo credit: Monaco Life.

Prince Albert II Foundation pays tribute to Robert Redford’s environmental legacy

by: Cassandra Tanti
18/09/2025

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has paid tribute to actor, director and activist Robert Redford, honouring his lifelong commitment to the environment and his role in inspiring global awareness of the planet’s fragility.

Redford, whose career spanned cinema and activism, was recognised in Monaco for his tireless advocacy on behalf of the natural world. In 2019, during the 3rd Monte-Carlo Gala for the Global Ocean, Prince Albert II presented him with the Foundation’s Special Prize for Environmental Leadership.

He returned to the Principality in 2021 for the Foundation’s 15th anniversary, which featured The Way of the Rain – Hope for Earth, a multi-disciplinary performance created by his wife, Sibylle Szaggars Redford. His presence at the event, the Foundation recalled, was a reminder of “the power of art and advocacy in service of nature”.

Photo credits: Eric Mathon / Palais Princier, JC Vinaj / FPA2

An enduring influence

Robert Redford passed away on 16th September, aged 89. In its tribute, shared on social media channels, the Prince Albert II of Foundation praised Redford for leaving “an enduring legacy of environmental action that will continue to inspire our collective efforts”. His decades of activism, from championing clean air to supporting marine conservation, reflected a deep conviction that culture, policy and grassroots movements could work together to safeguard the planet.

“Our thoughts are with his wife, family and loved ones,” the Foundation added.

See also: 

Stars gather for Prince’s Ocean Gala

 

Photo credits: Eric Mathon / Palais Princier, JC Vinaj / FPA2

 

Stelios Foundation charity dinner raises €570,000 to protect Mediterranean marine life

by: Cassandra Tanti
18/09/2025

The Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, in partnership with WWF International and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, has raised an impressive €570,000 at its 13th annual charity fundraiser dinner. The event took place at the Stelios Foundation Conference Hall in Monaco in the presence of Prince Albert II of Monaco and Dr Kirsten Schuijt, Director General of WWF International.

More than 60 philanthropists and environmental supporters gathered to support the Mediterranean’s marine wildlife, from dolphins and turtles to monk seals and the fragile ecosystems they depend on. The evening featured speeches by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, Dr Schuijt, and Prince Albert II, as well as a charity auction that helped push the fundraising total to €570,000.

Doubling the impact

All donations made during the evening were matched euro-for-euro by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, doubling the impact of the generosity shown. Proceeds will be shared equally between WWF International and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation to fund critical marine conservation work in the Mediterranean.

“Thanks to the generosity of our philanthropist guests, and with the support of HSH Prince Albert II and Dr Kirsten Schuijt, tonight we have made another important step in protecting our Mediterranean Sea,” said Sir Stelios. “By matching the funds raised and directing them equally to WWF and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, we are making sure that every euro given goes twice as far.”

Dr Schuijt added: “The Mediterranean is one of the most biodiverse yet most threatened seas in the world. Tonight’s generosity, magnified by the Stelios Foundation’s matching, will allow us to protect dolphins, turtles, monk seals, and the ecosystems on which we all depend.”

A legacy of giving

Including this year’s result, the annual dinner has now generated around €3.5 million since its launch 13 years ago.

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Photo: Prince Albert II with, from the left, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou and Dr Kirsten Schuijt. Source: Stelios Philanthropic Foundation

Chokolashow 2025: artists set to transform chocolate into art for charity

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
18/09/2025

Eight artists have received large chocolate plaques to transform into artworks as part of the second edition of Chokolashow, a unique charity initiative taking place in Monaco this autumn. 

The draw ceremony took place on Monday afternoon at the newly renovated Wannenes Art Gallery, where each participant drew a nautical symbol to use as inspiration for their chocolate artworks.

Now, the artists have 10 days to work their magic on the cocoa plaques before their pieces go on display to the Art Gallery from September 25th to October 10th.

From Dermopigmentation to Chocolate Art

Among the eight selected artists is Toni Belfatto, one of the world’s leading figures in dermopigmentation, a medical tattooing technique that helps cancer survivors and patients restore their appearance through art. Speaking to Monaco Life, Belfatto – who’s theme is boating – said that he was looking forward to connecting his medical artistry with chocolate.

“I want to create something that has some connection with my field,” said Belfatto, who has won two International Oscars in Brazil for his work. “This boat is like a metaphor for people that suffer, taking them from one situation to another. It’s like a reward for people.”

Toni Belfatto, photo provided.

Belfatto sees his chocolate creation as a symbolic transformation and healing. He plans to incorporate techniques from his medical practice, such as creating hair-like textures to represent waves and wind effects.

In fact, the Italian artist has cleared his schedule entirely for the project. “I asked all my companies to release me because I want to reach a state of emotional intelligence,” he said. “To do something like this, you need time, you need calm, and I believe I can create something special.”

International scope

The event, organised by the Monaco International Hub Association and chaired by journalist Maria Bologna, has attracted artists from diverse backgrounds. The lineup includes Patrick Bibal, a Paris-born comic artist who moved into colour work in the 1990s, Milan-born Luca Bestetti, the only direct student of metaphysical painter Giorgio De Chirico, and Casablanca-born Ilham El Jadaoui, who incorporates precious stones into her artwork.

Other participants include art therapist Monica Di Rocco, who works with psychiatric patients at Monaco’s hospital, designer Fabienne Henry, who collaborates with marine research institutions, experimental artists Emanuela Vavassori, and internationally exhibited artist Patrizia Salles, winner of the prestigious Gold Key Art Award in the United States.

The initiative will conclude in the Chokolashow Village from October 13th to 14th at the Méridien Beach Plaza, where visitors will be able to view the chocolate artworks alongside stands celebrating chocolate and art with free entrance.

The event’s highlight will be a charity auction on the evening of the 14th, attended by Prince Albert II, with all proceeds from the auction distributed to eight selected charities.

The most popular artwork will be selected by public voting, with visitors encouraged to cast their vote during the exhibition period.

Lastly, internationally renowned artist Marcos Marin has already been selected to choose next year’s theme.

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Main photo of the artists by Monaco Life. 

Monaco’s first trading card show draws crowds to Grimaldi Forum

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
17/09/2025

Monaco’s inaugural trading card show proved to be a success on Saturday, with collectors and families gathering at the Grimaldi Forum in search of cards and memorabilia to add to their collections. 

The Monaco Card Show, organised by auction platform Voggt, attracted enthusiasts across Europe who queued to browse everything from childhood favourites like Pokemon and Harry Potter cards to extraordinary pieces of history.

Among the most remarkable finds were manuscript cards featuring handwritten pieces from legendary figures including Lady Diana, John Lennon, Michael Schumacher and Michael Jackson.

“This is a manuscript card of Lady Diana, it’s just one piece of a letter she wrote, with the other pieces -around 90- circulating the world. Each one costs around 80 euros,” explained one dealer at the show.

The event featured around 50 exhibitors, from specialist stores to private collectors, displaying items that ranged from nostalgic childhood treasures to serious investments. An original autograph from Game of Thrones Emilia Clarke was on sale for €600, highlighting how the hobby has evolved beyond traditional trading cards.

Dominique Gastaldi and Nicolas Bermond, the two childhood friends from Monaco behind the event, had set out to create something special for their home country. With just one glimpse of the packed venue and diverse crowd spanning young children with their parents to serious adult collectors, their success was not only evident, it suggests Monaco’s first card show certainty won’t be its last.

See more in Kyriaki Topalidou’s video below…

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Main photo credit: Monaco Life. 

Monaco to host its first Laser Game event at Espace Léo Ferré

by: Cassandra Tanti
17/09/2025

For the first time in Monaco, families and friends will have the chance to battle it out in a futuristic laser tag arena as the Espace Léo Ferré is transformed for a special two-day event this October.

The Laser Game, organised by Monaco Town Hall, is the result of an idea put forward by young people through the Projet Communal Junior. Open to players aged seven and above, the initiative brings an innovative and entertaining activity to the Principality, designed to be enjoyed by both children and adults.

“The Communal Council is very happy to have made an idea from the Projet Communal Junior a reality,” said Chloé Boscagli, Deputy Mayor in charge of Youth. “This first Laser Game in the Principality offers a new, playful activity close to home and gives families and friends in Monaco the chance to share a fun and convivial moment together.”

A futuristic arena for two days only

On Saturday 11th October from 2pm to 10pm (ticket office from 1pm) and Sunday 12th October from 2pm to 7pm (ticket office from 1pm), the Espace Léo Ferré will be turned into a temporary laser tag arena. Alongside the matches, additional animations will be organised, making it an entertaining experience even before the games begin.

Tickets and reservations

Entry is set at €5 per 15-minute game for under-18s, and €10 for adults. Reservations can be made online, with payment completed either at the time of booking or directly on-site. Tickets will also be available at the Espace Léo Ferré on the day, subject to availability.