Monaco United Women’s Football Club is writing a new chapter in Monaco’s sporting history. Led by former AC Milan striker Marco Simone, this ambitious project represents the first serious attempt in changing the narrative when it comes to women’s football in Monaco.
For Simone, building Monaco United Women meant starting from a blank canvas. “It’s like taking a paper, a white paper, and writing a new history, because for me it’s my first experience in women’s football,” he told Monaco Life.
The coach was struck by how quickly women’s football became just… football. “After one or two weeks of training, I didn’t see the women, I just saw the team. I saw a team that plays football.”
Regarding the recruitment, scouting relied heavily on video and tryouts. “I don’t know the championship or the players, so my scouting is 100% video,” Simone explained. While technical and physical abilities are easy to judge on film, however, understanding mentally is harder. “For me, attitude and psychology is everything.” Simone added, saying the team is equipped with both characteristics.
The squad is a careful mix of youth and experience, from 15-year-olds taking their first steps in competitive football to seasoned players who have competed in France’s top divisions. Players from different backgrounds quickly developed chemistry. “Everyone tries to talk to each other, and help each other; we share the same objective,” says captain Houleye Deme.
At the heart of the team is Marina Makanza, a former French International who scored Monaco United’s first-ever goal. Alongside her, Deme’s leadership has been crucial in shaping team unity. “We have good vibes, and a great feeling on the pitch,” Makanza says.
Reality Check
While Monaco United is making history, Deme is candid about the challenges facing women’s football. “Women’s sports are already complicated. So is women’s soccer,” she says. Structural and cultural barriers remain significant, and the team must overcome these to succeed.
“It’s always going to be complicated since we started later than men,” Deme explains. “The men had plenty of time to develop, and now we are just trying to catch up. But I have hope that it’s going to be alright.”.
She also highlighted the importance of perseverance and visibility. “As long as we keep trying to improve, show people that we can play, enjoy the game, and offer what men can on the field, it’s good enough. We just need to keep proving ourselves.”
Meanwhile, she sees the project as inspiration for young girls. “This is proof that opportunities exist, and that with dedication, women can reach the same level of professionalism as men. It’s challenging, but it’s worth it.”
Monaco United’s immediate goals are straightforward: win matches and earn promotion. Yet Simone’s vision goes further: “I want to win, but to play well, with one philosophy. I want people to see Monaco United and understand our work and philosophy.”
See also:
Historic Monaco Women’s derby awarded by default after AS Monaco forfeit
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Main photo credit: Émilie Malaussena