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Month: December 2025

Football: Marseille sucker-punch floors wasteful Monaco

by: Luke Entwistle
15/12/2025
Balogun, Golovin, and Kehrer gathered in the middle of the pitch at the Vélodrome

AS Monaco twice found the back of the net against Marseille but left the Vélodrome goalless and pointless on Sunday night, as Sébastien Pocognoli’s side succumbed to a fifth defeat in six Ligue 1 games (0-1).

The Vélodrome was engulfed by a thick layer of smoke, the result of an impressive pyrotechnic display by the home fans ahead of kick-off. The game was consequently delayed by 10 minutes, but as the smoke began to clear, Monaco’s heads were still in the clouds. Marseille had two clear sights of goal inside the opening six minutes. Thankfully for the Monégasques, Lukas Hradecky was more alert than the defenders in front of him.

His minor deflection from Mason Greenwood’s cross meant that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang couldn’t easily tap home at the back-post, and the former Arsenal and Chelsea centre-forward was foiled again when Hradecky got a strong hand on his chipped effort from almost point-blank range.

Monaco players “don’t understand” controversial offside call

But having survived an early barrage, the Principality club grew into the game. Aleksandr Golovin forced Geronimo Rulli into a save before Takumi Minamino tested the OM goalkeeper with a half-volley. Rulli wasn’t able to deal with Folarin Balogun’s effort just before half-time, but Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was there to sweep up.

Marseille started the second half in the same manner that Monaco started the first – daydreaming. It took just 14 seconds for Monaco to work a glorious opening that was not finished by Minamino, who could not find the target. But Les Monégasques kept their foot on the accelerator and had the ball in the back of the net through Lamine Camara; a highly contentious Balogun offside call in the build-up caused the effort to be ruled out. “We looked at the images [of the offside] in the dressing room post-match, and we don’t understand it,” reacted Camara post-match.

Momentum regularly swung, and Marseille worked another flurry of chances of their own. Hradecky needed Thilo Kehrer’s help to clear a close-range Matt O’Riley effort off the line before Aubameyang and Greenwood went close. But if Hradecky was Monaco’s hero in the first half, Minamino was the villain of the second.

Greenwood winner comes seconds after disallowed Monaco goal

A sweeping cross-field ball from Denis Zakaria was perfectly collected by the Japan international, who, one-on-one, struck straight at Rulli. The Argentine would be beaten again, this time by Balogun, only for the offside flag to once again deny the Monaco forward, and then just seconds later, OM had the ball in the net for the first time, and this one would count.

Lightning struck twice as Greenwood, who scored the late winner in this same fixture last season, fired past Hradecky. Monaco still had the chance to salvage a point and would have done so if not for some last-ditch defending from Nayef Aguerd, who swept up after Mika Biereth had rounded Rulli after the Argentine’s excellent save from George Ilenikhena. With all three of Monaco’s strikers on the pitch, Pocognoli threw everything, including the kitchen sink. But as they did last season, ASM leave the Vél with a sinking feeling, despite a positive performance. When Pocognoli uses the word “disappointment” eight times in his first answer in the post-match press conference, there is no doubting the predominant emotion.

“Will we use it to rebel and to continue putting in good performances, or will we look for excuses?” he then asked. It is the big question as Monaco look to make up a gap that, following this defeat, has now become a chasm between themselves and the Champions League qualification places. “We have to keep fighting,” said Camara after an OM sucker-punch that leaves Monaco’s season on the ropes.

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Photo source: AS Monaco

Prince Albert condemns antisemitic terrorist attack that killed 11 in Australia

by: Cassandra Tanti
14/12/2025

Prince Albert II has sent a message of condolence to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney on the first night of Hanukkah.

“It is with deep emotion that I learnt of the tragic antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney during a Hanukkah celebration,” the Prince wrote in an official dispatch. “Our thoughts are with the grieving families of the victims of this unspeakable act of violence.”

The attack occurred on the evening of the Hanukkah celebration, with more than 1,000 people in attendance at the beachside event. Two gunmen opened fire on the gathering, killing 11 people and sending 29 to hospital, including a child.

Speaking on behalf of Monaco, Prince Albert added: “On behalf of the People of Monaco, my Family and myself, allow us to express our feelings of deep pain and sorrow. Please be assured, Mister Prime Minister, of our utmost solidarity and deepest condolences to all those affected.”

The attack

Police responded to reports of gunfire at Bondi Beach at approximately 18:47 local time. The gunmen targeted the Jewish community celebration from a small footbridge between Campbell Parade and Archer Park.

Verified video footage shows two attackers directing sustained fire towards the event for several minutes. One gunman was killed by police, whilst the second suspect remains in critical condition after being shot. In one verified video, a bystander is shown wrestling a gun from one of the attackers before police arrived.

New South Wales Police have confirmed they are treating the incident as a terror attack designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community.

Australian response

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns described the attack as “more shocking” given that mass shootings are rare in Australia.

The Australian National Imams Council and the Council of Imams NSW issued a joint statement unequivocally condemning the attack. “These acts of violence and crimes have no place in our society,” they said. “Those responsible must be held fully accountable and face the full force of the law.”

The statement added: “This is a moment for all Australians, including the Australian Muslim community, to stand together in unity, compassion, and solidarity, rejecting violence in all its forms.”

The attack marks one of the deadliest incidents of violence targeting the Jewish community in Australia’s recent history.

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Photo: screenshot of social media video taken during the attack

 

Behind the curtain: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory debuts in Monaco

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
13/12/2025

Cascades of chocolate, Oompa Loompas, and the marvellous Willy Wonka himself are about to take over the Grimaldi Forum as Monaco becomes the first to host a magical new production of Charlie and the Chocolate factory.

The musical made its world premiere on December 12th before embarking on an international tour, bringing Roald Dahl’s beloved tale to life. The production follows young Charlie Bucket as he wins a Golden Ticket and joins four other children on a journey though Willy Wonka’s extraordinary chocolate factory, encountering everything from the famous TV room and mixing room to the nut sorting room along the way.

During open rehearsals on Friday, Monaco Life sat down with the creative team to discover what it takes to create a world of pure imagination on stage.

During the rehearsal, photo by Monaco Life.

Finding the child within

For Sam Varley, who plays Charlie Bucket, the key to portraying the young protagonist isn’t pretending to be a child at all. “It’s less about presenting myself as a little boy, which is less interesting, and more about finding the childhood that is within us all, all the time,” he told Monaco Life.

The actor, who grew up on Roald Dahl’s stories, sees the role as a celebration of wonder. “I think part of what this story is about is finding your joy and your innocence unperturbed by adulthood, believing in magic and allowing yourself to be truly awed by anything.”

Standing on stage surrounded by the elaborate illusions, Varley admits he’s barely acting. “It’s so awe-inspiring anyway that I just allow myself to be as amazed as I am. I think that reads as joy, and childhood is joy.”

During the rehearsal, photo by Monaco Life.

The genius of Wonka

Haydn Oakley faces the challenge of bringing the complex chocolatier Willy Wonka to life, a character known for his quick mood shifts between whimsy and darkness. But the actor, doesn’t find it particularly difficult. “Luckily, I’m closer to Wonka than further away, so I just kind of lean into that part of my own personality,” he says laughing.

As a father of two young children aged seven and five, Oakley has strong views on the darker elements woven through Dahl’s storytelling. “I think children’s brains are probably more accepting of that kind of Roald Dahl darkness that we give them credit for,” he explains. “If anything, there’s a safety in what we’re doing here experiencing those darker undertones in this sort of environment and enjoying what they are.”

He hopes adults will rediscover their own sense of play. “As adults, we prevent ourselves from enjoying those things and thinking that we have to build up walls. So hopefully, people will leave this production feeling more childlike themselves.”

During the rehearsal, photo by Monaco Life.

Directing with imagination

Director and choreographer Grant Murphy has taken an unconventional approach to staging the production. In the final rehearsal room run, he stripped away everything physical. “They had no props, no set, no costume elements, and I asked them to just imagine everything. Like a child would when they’re playing in the garden.”

This technique, Murphy explains, helps the performers maintain the show’s sense of wonder even when surrounded by elaborate technical elements. “Once we open, I’ll be asking the cast to continue imagining that they’re in an empty room with nothing in it and all of the stuff around them is coming from their minds.”

He even suggests a playful interpretation: “Maybe Charlie imagined everything that everyone sees. Could all of this just been in your imagination?”

For now, the cast prepares to bring this magical world to Monaco, before taking it to stages around the globe. The show will be performed in English with French subtitles.

With waterfalls of chocolate, breathtaking illusions, and songs including ‘The Candy Man’, ‘I’ve Got a Golden Ticket’, and ‘Pure Imagination’, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory promises an unforgettable theatrical experience for the whole family this Christmas season.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory runs at the Grimaldi Forum from 12th to 14th December.  Tickets start from €45.

Additionally, during every performance, one lucky child under 12 will have the opportunity to win their very own golden ticket!

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Main photo by Monaco Life.

Monaco launches regular business roundtables to address economic concerns

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
12/12/2025

Monaco’s new delegate for attractiveness, Ludmilla Raconnat Le Goff, has convened the first in a series of regular meetings bringing together the Principality’s business community to tackle three key challenges: relations between businesses and the state, conditions for economic development, and Monaco’s image and perception abroad. 

The first session, held on December 11th at the Monaco Yacht Club, gathered representatives from FEDEM, the Monaco Economic Board, the banking association, and various professional bodies. Minister of State Christophe Mirmand was also present.

Raconnat Le Goff said the meeting stemmed from numerous one-on-one conversations with business leaders that revealed these recurring themes across all sectors.

“I want us to have very concrete discussions based on real examples of what businesses experience today,” she told the press, rather than “pilling up generalised complaints”.

The first theme addresses relations between businesses and the state, including concerns about administrative delays and complicated procedures. The second examines whether certain legal structures or texts “for certain sectors are no longer really adapted” and may need reviewing.

Minister of State Christophe Mirmand at the session, photo credit: ©Stéphane Danna / Direction de la Communication

International perception gap

The third theme proved particularly striking. “When I explain our economic reality abroad, people say ‘we didn’t know that’,” Raconnat Le Goff noted, referring to recent trips in Paraguay and Jeddah.

“Monaco is known for a certain historical image that is dear to us – the glamour, festive events, sporting events,” she said. “But the reality of Monaco, the fact that Monaco is a place where it’s good to live, where it’s good to work, where it’s good to develop professional activity – that’s not necessarily perceived. The reality of our economic fabric ranging from industry to tech via services and finance is not known.”

To address this, the principality plans increased international engagement in 2026, joining networks of state agencies focused on attractiveness and meeting with foreign advisers.

Quality over quantity

However, Raconnat Le Goff dismissed any mass attraction strategy, highlighting quality over quantity. “Monaco is two square kilometres with limited real estate, limited possibilities. So we’re not in this mass policy.”

Instead, the focus is on attracting “high value-added companies” across diverse sectors rather than over-specialising. “I think we shouldn’t forbid ourselves anything in principle. Over-specialisation doesn’t seem appropriate either because it puts us at the mercy of a sector of activity.”

The sessions are likely to be held every four to six weeks.

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Main photo credit: Stéphane Danna, Direction de la Communication

Monte-Carlo Monopoly featuring Casino and Hôtel de Paris becomes instant hit

by: Cassandra Tanti
12/12/2025

Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer has transformed the world’s most recognisable board game into a luxury collector’s piece.

The Monopoly Monte-Carlo edition, featuring watercolour illustrations of the Casino, Hôtel de Paris and other Resort landmarks, launched mid-December with 1,500 units. Only 80 remained after the first day, according to Monaco Matin.

The black and gold luxury box contains a reimagined version of the classic game, where Monte-Carlo’s most prestigious properties replace traditional streets. Developed in partnership with Winning Moves, the game features watercolour illustrations by Jean-Benoît Héron, who has worked with SBM for 28 years, across all 40 squares.

An illustrated tribute to the Resort

Each property from SBM’s heritage is rendered in Héron’s fine lines and soft colours, transforming the traditional Monopoly board into an illustrated work of art. The Casino occupies the board’s most prestigious position—the equivalent of Boardwalk—followed by Hôtel de Paris, with restaurants, hotels and villas distributed throughout.

Héron has designed the Chance cards and Experience cards (replacing the traditional Community Chest), and created custom banknotes denominated from 5 to 500 keys. Each note features Resort establishments or architectural details.

The playing pieces evoke Monegasque life: a Formula 1 car, yacht, horse, circus marquee and others that reflect the Principality’s character.

Adapted for Monte-Carlo

Whilst maintaining classic Monopoly rules—the winner remains the last player with money—the Monte-Carlo edition required specific modifications. Instead of building houses and hotels on properties, players use silver and gold keys to develop their Resort holdings.

The game is sold exclusively to those 18 and over, reflecting its casino theme and luxury positioning.

International demand and collector status

Presented in a limited-edition luxury box, the game highlights SBM’s history through to its most recent developments. The rapid initial sales, combined with international orders, have established immediate collector’s item status.

Monaco Matin reports that a second delivery is scheduled for January to meet continuing demand. SBM is already considering future board game projects, though none are currently in development.

Where to buy

The game is available at the Monte-Carlo Casino Boutique in the Casino Atrium and Monte-Carlo Drugstore, and can be ordered at retail@sbm.mc.

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Photo source: MCSBM

 

Héli Air Monaco to introduce electric aircraft on Riviera routes

by: Cassandra Tanti
12/12/2025

Vertical Aerospace and Héli Air Monaco announced a memorandum of understanding on December 9th for the pre-order of the British company’s Valo aircraft, marking a potential shift towards electric aviation on the French Riviera. The electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft was unveiled in London the same day.

Héli Air Monaco plans to operate the Valo across its existing network, connecting Monaco with Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez through what the companies describe as quiet, zero-emission flights. Vertical Aerospace is targeting concurrent regulatory certification with the European Union and UK aviation regulators by 2028.

The partnership positions the Côte d’Azur as a testing ground for electric aviation on some of Europe’s busiest short-haul air routes, particularly around Nice airport. Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur and Monaco Heliport are supporting the initiative to develop the necessary infrastructure adaptations.

Aircraft specifications and safety standards

The Valo is designed to initially seat four passengers, with plans to expand to six. The cabin features panoramic windows, generous personal space, and capacity for six cabin bags and six check-in bags. Vertical Aerospace is designing the aircraft to meet Europe’s 10-9 safety standard, which represents the highest level of commercial aviation safety globally.

The aircraft represents an evolution from Vertical’s VX4 prototype, incorporating insights from the company’s piloted test programme and feedback from airline and operator customers.

Industry perspectives

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said the partnership reflects a shared vision for cleaner and quieter travel along the coastline. “This partnership builds on today’s launch of Valo, our new aircraft, and accelerates our momentum toward bringing electric flight to market,” he stated.

Jacques Crovetto, CEO of Héli Air Monaco, described the move as reimagining travel across the Riviera. “By decarbonising our fleet of helicopters and dramatically reducing our noise footprint, we will be delivering a flight experience for our passengers that respects our neighbours, our environment, and shapes a sustainable future,” he said.

Franck Goldnadel, chairman of Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur’s management board, noted that electric vertical take-off aircraft extend ongoing efforts to transform and decarbonise air mobility, particularly over short distances. He highlighted the region’s unique opportunity to fly over the sea to connect major destinations, positioning eVTOL as an alternative to conventional helicopters.

Context and timeline

The memorandum of understanding represents a pre-order arrangement that is non-binding and conditional. The planned deployment depends on regulatory certification, infrastructure development, and operational readiness by 2028.

Vertical Aerospace holds approximately 1,500 pre-orders for its eVTOL aircraft globally. The company is also developing a hybrid-electric variant of the Valo to offer increased range and mission flexibility for different market segments.

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Image source: Vertical Aerospace