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Month: December 2025

Football: Monaco’s academy hammer Galatasaray to secure Youth League progression

by: Luke Entwistle
10/12/2025
Ouamr Konaté engaged in a duel during Monaco's Youth League match against Galatasaray

AS Monaco’s academy side confirmed their place in the next round of the UEFA Youth League thanks to an emphatic 5-0 win over Galatasaray on Tuesday afternoon.

It was a game of two halves at the end of a League Phase of two halves. Defeats against Club Brugge, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur put Monaco’s academy on the back foot. Their chances of qualification Round of 16 looked slim, but wins against Bodo/Glimt, Pafos, and Galatasaray have ensured their progression.

Depending on results elsewhere, a point may have been enough for Djimi Troaré’s men, but a win would have brought certainty. In that context, Troaré said he felt “nervousness” from some of his players in the first half. “It is a young team in a game that we had to win,” added the manager of the Monaco academy, who was not bowled over by the performance of his young side. “Honestly, there is still a lot of work to do,” he said.

But there is a base to work from and crucially, heading into the knockout phase, momentum, following three wins on the bounce. A timid first half gave way to a more dynamic and exciting second. Oumar Konaté had been the most enterprising of the Monégasques in the opening 45 minutes, and he earned the penalty in the 53rd minute, which was not converted by Joan Tincres.

Monaco’s Samuel Nibombe. Photo credit Luke Entwistle/ Monaco Life

But when Konaté was brought down again less than 10 minutes later, it was Pape Cabral, who has earned minutes for the senior side this season, who stepped up and didn’t repeat his teammate’s mistake. Confidence oozed, and the goals began to flow. Yannick Dodo benefited from the Galatasaray goalkeeper’s spill from a corner to poke home from close range, and then just four minutes later, Monaco had a third through Konaté, the benefactor of some more poor goalkeeping, after Aladji Bamba’s shot was palmed straight into his path.

Nibombe makes Monaco return following heart attack

Konaté then turned provider for Tincres, who did get on the scoresheet following his earlier penalty miss, heading home from close range. Dodo rounded out the scoring with another simple tap-in, with Galatasaray in complete disarray. Samuel Nibombe then came on in the closing stages, making his first Youth League appearance since suffering a heart attack in the Challenge Éspoirs final back in May.

“[His return] was something that we were preparing for since we found out that he could play football again, because there was uncertainty about that. It is nice to see Sam back on the pitch,” said Traoré.

Nibombe is a player who has trained with the first team, has experience around the senior side, and there are great expectations for him. The same goes for Cabral and Bamba, both of whom were drafted into the first team due to the abating injury crisis. Their returns have made a big difference for Traoré’s side in the past two games, and they will certainly be key if Monaco are to continue progress in this season’s Youth League.

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Photo source: AS Monaco

Monaco’s new Médiathèque Caroline opens with dedicated study space

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
10/12/2025

After 15 years of planning, Monaco inaugurates Médiathèque Caroline combining library, music, video and games collections in 2,500 square metres with dedicated student study room.

The long-anticipated, 2,500-square-metre space brings together the Principality’s library, video and music collections, children’s library, and games library under one roof.

First Debuty Mayor Camille Svara, who oversees the Médiathèque, described the project as more than just a building. “It’s a unifying project, a space designed for all audiences, for all uses, in the service of knowledge, social connection, and creativity,” she said.

Espace Honore II, which houses the new Médiathèque Caroline, photo by Monaco Life.

A long-awaited study room

Among the facility’s features is the Louis Notari room, which addresses a persistent request from students. For years, young people in Monaco have sought a quiet place for concentrated work and research. The dedicated room now provides exactly that: a silent environment separate from the busier areas of the building.

Prince Albert II and Princess Caroline with Mayor Georges Marsan and officials during Wednesday’s official opening ceremony

The study room forms part of a broader area of spaces designed for different uses. There’s a digital training room for learning new technologies, a workshop area for creative activities, and an atrium where visitors can gather or have a meal. An auditorium with 118 seats and two wheelchair spaces is also in the Médiathèque and will host film screenings, conferences, and concerts.

The Louis Notari study room, photo by Monaco Life.

Collections and services

The Médiathèque houses 200,000 items across all formats. Membership remains free and now includes unlimited borrowing for three weeks (except video games).

The team of 36 staff members will manage 80 seating spaces throughout the building and coordinate around 300 events annually.

Inside the Médiathèque, photo by Monaco Life

Open 39.5 hours a week, the facility caters to various age groups with tailored spaces. Young children have adapted furniture, while teenagers can access a manga corner and video games.

The elderly and those unable to visit receive personalised assistance, including home delivery.

Space tailored for young children, photo by Monaco Life.

Digital resources have expanded too, with seven online platforms offering books, films, press, music, and training courses. The new ‘Music me’ service provides access to 15 million tracks.

The facility, located at 5 promenade Honoré II, opens to the public on Thursday 11th December at 1pm. Thereafter, it will operate every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10am to 6:30pm, with a Thursday opening at 1pm.

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Main photo by Monaco Life.

 

Monaco’s National Council votes to expand mandatory childhood vaccinations

by: Cassandra Tanti
10/12/2025

Monaco’s National Council voted on 9th December to expand the list of mandatory childhood vaccinations, updating legislation that had remained unchanged since 1992.

The new law, Bill No. 1101, makes several previously recommended vaccines obligatory for children in the Principality, whilst the HPV vaccine will remain voluntary following discussions between government and elected representatives. Christophe Robino, Government Counsellor-Minister of Social Affairs and Health, presented the bill to the National Council, saying that vaccination represents one of the most effective means of protecting children’s health.

First major update in over three decades

The existing law concerning mandatory vaccination, Law No. 822 of 29 May 1970, had not been modified since 1992, creating what Robino described as a clear need for updated legislation. According to the government, vaccination has prevented thousands of deaths, reduced severe disease complications and protected Monaco’s healthcare system from unsustainable pressures.

Robino told the National Council that the list of mandatory vaccinations must be both complete and measured. “Complete, because we owe it to our children to offer the best protection. Measured, because it would be unacceptable to make obligatory a vaccination that has not proven itself,” he said.

HPV vaccine remains voluntary despite proven efficacy

The HPV vaccine generated significant discussion between government and the National Council. According to Robino, the vaccine has been used since 2006 with proven efficacy and demonstrated safety, reducing the risk of precancerous lesions or cervical cancer in women by nearly 90 per cent, whilst also preventing ano-genital warts in both men and women.

In men, HPV represents one of the main causes of oropharyngeal, laryngeal and oral cavity cancers. In France, HPV is responsible for more than 7,000 new cancer cases annually, with 30 per cent affecting men. Countries with widespread HPV vaccination have seen reductions in all cancers linked to the viral infection, with collective immunity emerging once more than 50 per cent of the population is vaccinated.

The government made the HPV vaccine free in 2024 and launched voluntary vaccination campaigns in Monaco’s schools. Robino confirmed the government intends to continue this incentive-based policy whilst remaining attentive to any evolution in European legislation on the matter.

Suspension mechanism includes 18-month limit

The bill includes a provision allowing mandatory vaccinations to be suspended by sovereign ordinance. The National Council amended this clause to specify that such suspensions would be valid for only 18 months, requiring parliamentary legislation for any extension. Robino described this amendment as entirely justified, noting that if such a situation arose, the government would need to submit a new bill rapidly and the National Council would need to adopt it within the same timeframe to avoid automatically reinstating a vaccination that had been suspended.

The government thanked elected representatives for their initiative in placing the bill on the agenda for the public session, acknowledging that voting on legislation imposing vaccinations is never straightforward, even when they are unanimously recognised as indispensable.

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Photo credit: Hyttalo Souza, Unsplash

 

Monaco National Council fast-tracks law recognising professional local journalists

by: Cassandra Tanti
10/12/2025

Monaco’s National Council has adopted legislation establishing a formal framework for recognising professional journalists in the Principality, including the creation of an official Monegasque press card issued by an independent body and protection of sources.

Bill No. 275, which was received on 24th November, debated in public session on 26th November and adopted on 9th December, aims to provide official recognition of those exercising journalism professionally in Monaco. The legislation was examined by the Legislation Commission with Jean-Louis Grinda serving as rapporteur.

Independent body to issue credentials

The new law establishes a press card system administered by an independent and joint body, creating a clear mechanism for attesting professional journalist status. According to the legislation, this credential will provide formal recognition for individuals working in journalism within the Principality.

The creation of an official press card addresses a longstanding absence of formal journalist accreditation in Monaco, bringing the Principality in line with practices in neighbouring countries where professional press cards are standard credentials for working journalists.

Protection of sources and professional standards

The legislation details fundamental principles and essential guarantees applicable to professional journalists, with particular emphasis on protection of source confidentiality. This provision enshrines in law the journalistic principle that reporters can maintain the anonymity of their sources, a cornerstone of press freedom in democratic societies.

The law also addresses employment relationships for journalists, establishing clear frameworks for professional working conditions. Ethical standards form another key component, with the legislation setting out deontological principles that professional journalists in Monaco are expected to uphold.

Penalties for fraudulent use

To prevent abuse of the system, the law includes criminal sanctions targeting fraudulent use of the Monegasque press card. These provisions aim to ensure that only legitimate professional journalists can benefit from the credential and any associated privileges or access it may provide.

The penalty regime reflects the importance of maintaining the integrity of professional journalism credentials, preventing individuals from falsely representing themselves as accredited journalists to gain inappropriate access or advantages.

Swift parliamentary approval

The legislation moved rapidly through the National Council, with less than two weeks between initial reception and final adoption. This swift progress suggests broad consensus among elected representatives regarding the need for formal journalist recognition in the Principality.

The bill now moves to the Princely Government for review and potential amendment before promulgation.

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Photo of National Council headquarters by Cassandra Tanti

 

 

Happy Birthday! Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella celebrate 11th birthday with new official portraits

by: Cassandra Tanti
10/12/2025

The Princely Palace has released new official photographs of Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella to mark their 11th birthday on 10th December.

The portraits, taken by Vanessa von Zitzewitz, include individual images of each twin alongside a touching photograph showing Jacques with his arm affectionately around his sister’s shoulders. The gesture reinforces the close bond between the siblings that has been evident throughout their childhood.

Simple birthday message from palace

The Palace accompanied the photographs with a straightforward message: “A very happy birthday to Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, who celebrate their 11th birthday today.”

Born on 10th December 2014, the twins have grown up in the public eye, regularly appearing at official events including National Day celebrations, sporting occasions and cultural gatherings. As they enter their second decade, both continue to take on age-appropriate public roles alongside their parents, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene.

Photo credit: Vanessa von Zitzewitz

Trusted photographer captures family moments

Von Zitzewitz has become the Princely Family’s photographer of choice for official portraits, having captured multiple images of the family over recent years, including the 2025 Christmas card released last week. The German-born photographer, who has lived in Monaco for 30 years, is known for her elegant portrait work and has photographed distinguished personalities including Pharrell Williams, Mick Jagger and Michael Schumacher.

Her work for the Princely Family consistently captures both the formality required of official portraits and the genuine warmth of family relationships, as evidenced in the birthday photographs showing the affectionate connection between the twins.

Growing up in the spotlight

As Hereditary Prince, Jacques is first in line to the Monegasque throne, whilst his twin sister Gabriella, born two minutes earlier, holds an important position within the Princely Family. Despite the formal distinction in their future roles, the siblings have consistently demonstrated a close and supportive relationship in public appearances.

The twins marked another milestone earlier this year when they both appeared in the annual Christmas card alongside their parents and Princess Charlène’s chihuahua, Harley.

See also: 

Sitting pretty: tiny Harley joins Monaco’s Princely Family for festive portrait

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Main photo credit: Vanessa von Zitzewitz

Football: Monaco win over Galatasaray heals wounds and bolsters UCL hopes

by: Luke Entwistle
10/12/2025
Folarin Balogun and Takumi Minamino look on during Monaco's win over Galatasaray

A deserved 1-0 win over Galatasaray not only allowed AS Monaco to edge closer to progression in this season’s Champions League, but it also brought them closer to their own fans.

Not all has been well at the Principality club in recent weeks. Despite a headline win over PSG, and two hard-fought draws against Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League, consistency in results – and in performances – has been sorely lacking. Defeat to Brest (0-1) over the weekend, Monaco’s fourth in five league games, saw the club’s ultras begin a strike, which started in Tuesday night’s game against Galatasaray.

The ultras weren’t even in position at the start of the match and were silent for the first 15 minutes. It didn’t come as a surprise, and Sébastien Pocognoli said that he had “heard” of the disgruntlement. He was not the primary target; Monaco’s hierarchy, chiefly CEO Thiago Scuro, was. When the ultras did return to their usual position, they unfurled their banners upside down in protest. The only ones facing correctly were those that were critical of the club’s hierarchy.

Pocognoli enjoys “communion” between players and fans

The relationship between fans and the club at the start of the match was glacial; by the end of the match, warmth had returned. “What I hold on to is the communion [between the players and the fans] at the end of the match. [The fans] pushed us, and that really helped. It is very positive,” said Pocognoli post-match.

It was the performance of his players that brought about the rapprochement and started to heal the wounds that had been opened. “In the end, it is the attitude on the pitch, the respect for the shirt that will bring the pieces [of the club] back together,” added Pocognoli. And the correct “attitude” was present, at least in the second half of this crucial clash against Galatasaray.

The Turkish giants were buoyed by a fervent and large following, as they often are. With Monaco’s ultras “on strike”, it was the Galatasaray fans, dotted around the Stade Louis II, who were heard in the opening minutes and their team that created the biggest chances. Ilkay Gundogan uncharacteristically blazed over when perfectly positioned to open the scoring, and some slack defending from Vanderson and Thilo Kehrer allowed Baris Yilmaz to sneak behind the back line. Luckily, the Turkish forward’s effort came off the post.

But Lukas Hradecky, despite the frailties of his defence being exposed, wasn’t threatened. He didn’t have to make a big save, unlike Ugurcan Cakir, who was busier, parrying two long-range Maghnes Akliouche efforts before the break.

Pocognoli turns fear into bravery

There was no doubt, however, that it was Galatasaray who were in the ascendancy and the more disappointed to go into half-time level. Pocognoli said that he thought his side were “scared” at times in the first half and called for his side to be “braver” in the second.

He got the desired response. Immediately, there was more intent and energy from Monaco, who ought to have taken the lead from the spot when Takumi Minamino was taken down in the box. Denis Zakaria’s penalty was poorly hit and poorly directed as Cakir made the stop with his feet. Two more huge chances followed, both of which were missed by Folarin Balogun.

You started to think whether this would be Monaco’s night, until Balogun then did put away a chance, a scrappy effort from a deflected corner; they all count. “He showed a strength of character. He doesn’t give up, and he put the third chance away. We congratulated him for not giving up,” said Maghnes Akliouche post-match.

There could – and should – have been more goals for Monaco. Balogun was intelligent to let a ball roll through him, teeing up Lamine Camara to get on the scoresheet, but he lacked the composure to provide the finishing touch. It set up a nervy finish, but Monaco held firm, conceding no big chances and keeping Victor Osimhen, the second-top scorer in the Champions League going into this matchday, very quiet.

“We need 10 or 11 points” – Minamino

“I am satisfied with the performance. I know what we can do. I am proud of how we played in the second half […] after the win against PSG, I said that I recognised my team; tonight, it is the same,” said Pocognoli. It is a step in the right direction, a way to “create a positive spiral”, as the Monaco manager put it. And it is also a big step towards the next phase of the Champions League, even if they aren’t there yet.

“In the next two games, the opponents are really strong (Juventus and Real Madrid). I don’t think that [the nine points that we have] are enough. I think we need 10 or 11,” analysed Minamino post-match.

As was the case following the win over PSG, Les Monégasques are not getting carried away, but this is a big win, not only for their UCL hopes, but also for the relationship with the fans, which has been tested in recent times. Tuesday night was one of rapprochement for Monaco, in more ways than one.

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Photo source: AS Monaco