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Month: September 2025

Stanis Idumbo joins Monaco on five‑year deal

by: Cassandra Tanti
03/09/2025

AS Monaco has secured the signing of 20‑year‑old Belgian U21 international Stanis Idumbo on a five‑year contract, setting the stage for a promising blend of pace and creativity in the Principality’s attack.

AS Monaco announced on that Stanis Idumbo, a 20‑year‑old Belgian U21 attacking midfielder, has committed to a five‑year deal until 30th June 2030. Born in June 2005 in Melun (Seine‑et‑Marne), he honed his talents in Belgium with Club Bruges and Gent before entering the renowned Ajax Academy. 

From Ajax to La Liga and now Ligue 1

At Ajax, Idumbo made a striking impression with the U18s — 13 goals and 16 assists in 33 matches — before stepping into professional football with Jong Ajax in the Dutch second division, debuting on 6th January 2023 versus FC Eindhoven and tallying 23 appearances and three goals. In January 2024, he moved to Sevilla, initially featuring in the reserves, helping them win the Spanish fourth division, and was swiftly promoted to the first team. He made his La Liga debut on 1st September 2024 against Girona and scored his first senior goal on 20th October against FC Barcelona, finishing his tenure with 18 appearances in all competitions.

Striking qualities and ambition ahead

Known for his speed, explosiveness and versatility across the attacking line — particularly on the left — Idumbo brings a fresh, dynamic dimension to Monaco’s frontline. Transfer reports suggest the deal may be worth around €10 million, including add‑ons, representing a significant return on Sevilla’s initial €150,000 outlay and reflecting strong sporting and sporting‑director alignment.

A fresh chapter begins

Idumbo steps into Ligue 1 ready to prove himself in Monaco’s iconic diagonal jersey, donning number 17. With experience across Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain — and with national youth caps already under his belt — he headlines a promising new chapter for AS Monaco.

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Photo source: AS Monaco

Monaco’s Médiathèque to close its doors ahead of new centralised home

by: Cassandra Tanti
03/09/2025

A major chapter in Monaco’s cultural life is coming to a close as the Principality’s three Médiathèque sites prepare to shut temporarily before reopening together under one roof later this year.

The Bibliothèque Louis Notari, Vidéothèque-Sonothèque José Notari, and Bibliothèque Princesse Caroline-Ludothèque will close to the public on Saturday 20th September. On the eve of this milestone, Friday 19th September, a festive evening from 6pm to 10pm at the Bibliothèque Louis Notari will bring staff and the public together for a symbolic farewell filled with music, conviviality and shared memories.

A new cultural hub

The weeks that follow will see an ambitious move as all three services are brought together at a new address on 5 Promenade Honoré II. The building, named Médiathèque Caroline, was unveiled earlier this year by Mayor Georges Marsan and his first deputy Camille Svara, Delegate to the Médiathèque. Designed as a modern and welcoming space, it will cater to children, teenagers, families, students and researchers alike.

What awaits at Médiathèque Caroline

The centralised structure will continue to provide Monaco with a wide-ranging cultural offering, free and accessible to all. Visitors can look forward to simplified access to collections, digital services, and cultural events, while also enjoying a place for meetings, exchanges and learning.

Grand reopening in December

The official reopening of Médiathèque Caroline is set for Thursday 11th December 2025, when the public will be welcomed into the new space. Until then, the Médiathèque invites readers to explore its extensive digital offer on mediatheque.mc, including press, film, music, literature and training. Updates on the move and sneak peeks of the new venue will also be shared on the Médiathèque’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

See also: 

New Espace Honoré II officially inaugurated as government headquarters

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Main photo source: Mairie de Monaco

 

Monaco United Women gear up for French Cup debut and historic derby

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
02/09/2025

Monaco United Women’s Football Club has wrapped up its pre-season training as it prepares for its debut in French competition, with head coach Marco Simone praising the progress of his newly assembled squad.

The new club, which only began training 10 days before their first fixture, has already made its mark with two important pre-season friendlies.

Monaco United’s first match saw them travel to Arles to face Arles-Avignon Women, where they secured a 5-1 victory. During the match, former French international Marina Makanza, who earned 15 caps for her country, scored the club’s first-ever goal from the penalty spot.

“I am very satisfied with the quality and progression of the team in such a short time,” said Simone, reflecting on his team’s early performance. “After only 10 training sessions, it’s impossible for everything to be perfectly in place, but I saw real consistency between the work done and what the players delivered on the pitch.”

However, the club’s second friendly proved more challenging, with Monaco United travelling to Milan to face AS Milan’s Under-19 women’s side at the Puma House of Football Centre. The occasion was particularly meaningful for coach Simone, who returned to his former club where he spent nine seasons as a striker.

Despite suffering a 5-1 defeat against one of Europe’s top football academies, the Italian head coach viewed the experience as invaluable for his developing squad. The team delivered a competitive first half full of intensity and commitment, but found the second period more difficult against Milan’s experience and quality.

Monaco United Women vs AS Milan’s Under-19, photo credit: Monaco United

Historic derby awaits

The football calendar has delivered a historic first for Monaco, with the Principality set to witness its first-ever women’s derby on Sunday, September 14th at 3pm. Monaco United will face AS Monaco Women’s second team (ASMFF) in the opening match day of the 2025/26 Women’s Division 5 championship.

“The great beauty of this project is that its has created true competition in Monaco between clubs dedicated to women’s football,” Simone explained. “I believe this will help us progress with greater determination, to push the game forward and make it a permanent part of our sporting culture.”

The derby comes just one week after Monaco United’s competitive debut away at FC Carros in the French Cup on Sunday, September 7th.

The club has also secured Groupe Marzocco as official sponsor for the 2025/26 campaign.

“Women’s football is still too often underestimated, but we are convinced of its importance and the following will only continue to grow,” said company head Claudio Marzocco. “By supporting this initiative, we want to contribute to the rise of women in football, through an ambitious project which, starting from the local level, is destined to develop to the highest stages.”

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Main photo of Monaco United Women credit: Athletic Club Arlésien

Monaco Trott’n’roll returns for 11th year as local cancer trial shows promise

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
02/09/2025

Monaco is gearing up for the 11th Monaco Trott’n’roll on September 13th, organised by Fondation Flavien to support paediatric cancer research. This year’s event highlights exciting progress in the MEPENDAX clinical trial, developed locally, that could change the game for children fighting the disease. 

The event takes place at the Jardins d’Apolline on Promenade Honoré II, opening at 9am with an expanded course. Families can register on-site for just €2 to access ‘l’ADN du trott’ – described as “rolling against childhood cancers”.

As part of the MEPENDAX clinical trial, a 26-minute documentary will air on TV Monaco, ahead of the next oncology biennial conference in January 2026. A symbolic €100,000 cheque will also be presented to the Centre Scientifique de Monaco.

Programme highlights

At 11am, local authorities will join the official inauguration featuring ‘la descente des étoiles’ – a tribute to those affected by childhood cancer. Monaco’s fire service will take part in the orange ribbon cutting ceremony.

Meanwhile, a costume and cosplay competition judged by ‘Les Pirates du Coeur’ from Galaxie Vésubie will run throughout the day, with a cash prize for the top three winners in adult and children’s categories.

The venue will include inflatable structures, a temperate skate park, face painting, and merchandise stands. From 10am, motorcycles and racing cars will take to the Formula 1 circuit, culminating in a parade at 2:30pm. The tombola, supported by local merchants, concludes at 4pm.

The event coincides with ‘Septembre en Or’ part of the international #GoGold childhood cancer awareness campaign. On 13 September, monuments across France will be illuminated in gold, while organisers encourage institutions of the Principality to illuminate their buildings in orange.

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Main photo provided by Fondation Flavien

Monaco bans TPO in cosmetics from 1st September

by: Cassandra Tanti
02/09/2025

From Monday 1st September, the use of TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) has been banned in Monaco and across the European Union, with immediate effect. The substance, commonly found in semi-permanent nail varnishes, has been classified as toxic for reproduction.

The Department of Social Affairs and Health has confirmed that the new measures apply particularly to professionals in the nail industry, who must ensure full compliance. Existing stocks of products containing TPO must be eliminated without delay.

Regulation aligned with EU law

The prohibition follows the entry into force of the European Regulation (EU) No. 2025/877, Omnibus VII, which restricts the use of substances deemed carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction in cosmetic products.

Impact on the beauty sector

While the ban will require nail technicians and salons to adapt their practices, it also provides an opportunity for the industry to transition towards safer alternatives. The government has urged professionals to take all necessary measures to comply, ensuring the wellbeing of both clients and employees.

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Photo credit: Giorgio Trovato, Unsplash

Deadline looms for Monaco Telecom email security update

by: Cassandra Tanti
02/09/2025

Monaco Telecom has issued a final reminder to users of @monaco.mc and @libello.com email addresses to update their mailbox settings before 15th September 2025, or risk losing the ability to send emails.

From 15th September, outgoing mail servers that do not comply with international security standards will be permanently shut down. This move comes amid rising phishing attacks, with Monaco Telecom strengthening its infrastructure to safeguard users against risks such as identity theft, password breaches and banking fraud.

How to check and update settings

All users who access their mailbox through software such as Outlook, Apple Mail or Thunderbird must ensure their accounts are configured with Monaco Telecom’s secure servers across every device they use. A dedicated support page – monaco-telecom.mc/config – provides video tutorials and a ‘Check’ tool that allows users to confirm their settings with a single test email.

Support for customers

Since June, more than 1,300 clients have sought assistance either via Monaco Telecom’s customer service or at the Maison du Numérique. Users can book an appointment with an advisor (+377 92 26 92 26), contact customer service directly (+377 99 66 33 00), or consult the operator’s virtual assistant through its website or WhatsApp (+377 377 10 000). Customers who use Monaco Telecom’s Webmail exclusively do not need to take any action.

Operators stress shared responsibility

“Securing our clients’ data is one of our top priorities. Cyberattacks are now the leading threat facing email users,” said Martin Péronnet, Director General of Monaco Telecom. “We are reinforcing our infrastructure while supporting clients through this transition.”

Frédéric Fautrier, Director of Monaco’s Digital Security Agency, added: “The risks posed by malicious emails are significant, from stolen personal data to compromised banking details. Vigilance is essential, but it is equally important for operators to implement robust measures to protect their users.”

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Photo credit: Brett Jordan, Unsplash