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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

Football: Monaco win “rollercoaster” five-goal thriller against Strasbourg

by: Luke Entwistle
31/08/2025
Minamino celebrating Monaco's last-minute winner against Strasbourg

AS Monaco needed an injury-time goal from Takumi Minamino to come out winners in a five-goal thriller against Strasbourg (3-2) at the Stade Louis II on Sunday.

Having lost to Lille (0-1) last week, Adi Hütter was looking for a reaction from his players, and he got one. His side swarmed Strasbourg in the opening minutes and were quickly rewarded when Folarin Balogun dispossessed goalkeeper Mike Penders, allowing Maghnes Akliouche to slot into the empty net. The latter celebrated his maiden call-up to the France squad in style. “He’s got a target on his back now,” said Hütter post-match, but Strasbourg struggled to contain him throughout.

Balogun feeling “more comfortable” at Monaco

Monaco’s intensity was unsustainable, and the away side, led by Englishman Liam Rosenior, would grow into the game, and would only be denied an equaliser by the finest of margins. Joaquín Panichelli had the ball in the back of the net, but Diego Moreira was offside in the build-up. The replays showed how tight the call was, and it wasn’t the only time that Le Racing would come out the wrong side of fine margins.

Strasbourg had a golden chance to make it 1-1, with Dilane Bakwa, on at half-time, threading through fellow substitute Kendry Paez. The Chelsea loanee opted to go around Lukas Hradecky when one-on-one, however, the Finnish goalkeeper got a nick of the ball, allowing Monaco to lodge a lightning-quick counter.

Less than 30 seconds later, Monaco had their second. Lamine Camara put Balogun in on goal, and the USMNT forward got the goal that his performance deserved, chipping Penders from close range. “I feel more comfortable out there now, and hopefully my performances will continue to prove this,” said Balogun post-match.

Rosenior rages against VAR decisions

It was another millimetric offside call on Balogun’s goal, confirmed by VAR, but it left Rosenior fuming post-match. “I’m trying to understand how our goal was offside and theirs isn’t. I feel like I’m going crazy! I’m very emotional right now because my players deserved more than what they got,” said the Strasbourg manager.

Despite the “adversity” his side faced, Strasbourg did get back into the game, and it was the Englishman’s substitutes that made the difference. England youth international Samuel Amo-Ameyaw placed the ball across the goal for Bakwa to volley home excellently.

It was Bakwa again, just two minutes later, who instigated the second goal, driving at Caio Henrique and into the Monaco box, drawing the clumsy foul. Panichelli stepped up and converted the resulting penalty, sending Lukas Hradecky the wrong way. The new Monaco No.1 had clearly been struggling in the second half and was substituted off moments later. Hradecky left the Stade Louis II with a strap on his left knee; the gravity of the injury is not yet known.

Monaco, shellshocked having seen their two-goal advantage in the space of just three minutes, regained their composure, with Eric Dier seeing a header cleared off the line. However, it was Strasbourg who looked the most dangerous as the clock ticked towards 90 minutes. Substitute goalkeeper Philipp Köhn had to make a good save to deny Paez, and Amo-Ameyaw continued to look dangerous.

Hütter once again “unsatisfied” with Monaco’s performance

However, it was the Principality club who would find the late winner. It was Akliouche again, who, inside the box, opted for the pass, rather than the shot, on this occasion, finding Minamino at the back-post. The Japan international’s diving header in the 96th minute secured the three points.

But in this game, described as a “rollercoaster” by Hütter, there was time for more drama, with Strasbourg’s Rabby Nzingoula sent off for violent conduct following an altercation with Jordan Teze.

“We cannot be satisfied. We showed that we are a good team, but to compete with the other top teams, we have to improve,” admitted Hütter post-match. The Monaco manager was nonetheless happy to return to winning ways, and conserve his side’s 100% win record at home this season. Monaco have six points on the board, despite Hütter’s continued frustration with the performances. He will be hoping for that to change after the international break, especially with the return of Champions League football drawing ever closer.

 

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Photo source: AS Monaco

AS Monaco unveil yellow third kit for 2025-26 season

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
18/08/2025

AS Monaco and Mizuno have revealed the club’s third kit for the upcoming 2025-26 season, featuring a yellow design.

The kit maintains a clean design, with both the AS Monaco coat of arms and Mizuno’s ‘Runbird’ logo in black. The ‘Daghe Munegu’ slogan, already present on the home and away shirts, appears in black letters under the collar on the back of the jersey.

AS Monaco has also highlighted the environmental aspect of the new kit, which is made from 100% recycled polyester.

AS Monaco’s third kit, photo by AS Monaco & Sportpack. 

Japanese-inspired campaign

Following the launch of the game and away jerseys, AS Monaco and Mizuno have created a campaign based on the Japanese concept of ‘MA’ – the art of balance.

The campaign uses yellow shades, reminiscent of sunrise, combined with shadow play to create visual harmony.

The promotional campaign features AS Monaco players Denis Zakaria, Caio Henrique and Eliesse Ben Seghir, alongside summer signings Eric Dier, Ansu Fati and Paul Pogba.

The release completes AS Monaco’s kit collection for the new season, following the earlier unveiling of their home and away strips.

See also: 

AS Monaco unveils Japan-inspired away kit for 2025/26 season

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Main photo credit: AS Monaco & Sportpack.

Noam Yaron progresses through day three of second Calvi to Monaco attempt

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
13/08/2025
noam yaron

Swiss endurance swimmer Noam Yaron entered his third day in Mediterranean waters, maintaining progress on his second attempt to complete a 180-kilometre swim from Calvi, Corsica to Monaco without leaving the water. 

The 28-year-old began the swim on Monday morning at 8am and had covered more than 45 kilometres within his first 16 hours. By Tuesday morning, he had completed approximately one-third of the planned route.

Second attempt after 2024 withdrawal

Yaron’s first attempt ended on 25 August 2024 after 48 hours when his support team withdrew him due to adverse weather and strong currents. He had covered 100 kilometres, including 75 kilometres in a single day.

“The next few hours are going to be tough; it seems like the wind is picking up and not in the right direction,” he said during that attempt to Monaco Life.

https://monacolife.net/from-calvi-to-monaco-endurance-athlete-noam-yarons-swim-for-change/

For this second attempt, the athlete is banking on better preparation, having learned from his first experience. Like dolphins, hypnosis, which he has been practising for several years, will enable him to rest while swimming. He will also use weather forecasts to optimise the route and avoid counter-currents.

Conservation mission

The aim of the record-breaking swim is to raise awareness about Mediterranean marine conservation. “The Mediterranean Sea is very close to my heart,” Yaron told Monaco Life previously. “For me, doing all these challenges is a way to actively spread awareness and collect funds to create an impact in the long term”

The Mediterranean has lost over half its marine species in two decades, with only 0.23% of waters under meaningful protection.

Prince Albert II has followed the project, which includes a fundraising platform where supporters can purchase symbolic cubic metres of water for €5 each. “The goal is to gather people around the cause and to be a part of something big,” Yaron said.

Yaron’s progress can be tracked in real-time at calvi-monaco.com

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Main photo credit: Noam Yaron Production / Nightcall Studio

 

Monaco to host fifth Smart Marina Summit in September

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
13/08/2025

The Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous will return to the Yacht Club de Monaco on 21st and 22nd September, marking the event’s fifth edition. 

Organised by M3, a Monaco-based marina consulting firm specialising in sustainable development, the conference aims to connect entrepreneurs and startups with established industry players including marina developers, architects, investors and projects promoters.

Previous editions have drawn nearly 250 participants from 26 countries, with attendees including marina project promoters, managers, shipyards, startups, manufacturers and shipowners.

This year’s programme will feature around 50 startups and scale-ups alongside 20 marinas and architectural firms. The focus remains on developing practical solutions for sustainable marina operations.

The two-day format is designed to showcase sustainable initiatives from participating startups, marinas and architects, with organisers focused on tangible outcomes and the promotion of international industry innovation.

Registration is currently open for the September event.

Interested parties can establish contact either via email: info@m3monaco.com or telephone +377 97 98 41 82.

See also: 

Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous launches call for innovative floating marina designs

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Main photo credit: Sustainable Smart Marina

Monaco bus company warns of new Facebook scam targeting passengers

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
10/08/2025

The Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco has issued an urgent alert about fraudulent Facebook posts promising unlimited bus travel for just €2 per month.

The scam involves fake social media advertisements offering six months of unlimited travel on Monaco’s bus network at the heavily discounted rate. These posts are designed to steal personal and banking information from unsuspecting users.

Cybercriminals are using convincing fake pages that appear to represent CAM, exploiting people’s interest in discount transport to gather sensitive data. Once users enter their information on these fraudulent sites, scammers can use it for identity theft and financial fraud.

This is not the first time Monaco’s transport network has been targeted. In October 2024, a similar scam operated through a fake Facebook page called ‘Special Offer for Monaco Residents’, while another attempt last summer advertised bus cards for €3.

The repeated attacks highlight the persistent cyber threat facing both individuals and businesses in the Principality. Earlier this year, the government issued warnings about suspicious communications from unofficial sources.

CAM explains how to avoid scams 

CAM reminds passengers that legitimate transport information comes only from the official website www.cam.mc and the Monapass mobile application.

Additionally, people should be suspicious of unusually cheap travel offers on social media, any requests for personal or financial details through unofficial websites, and posts claiming to represent CAM that don’t come from verified accounts.

Anyone who has already provided personal information through these posts should immediately contact Monaco’s Public Security cyber unit or email cyber@gouv.mc

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Main photo credit: Monaco Life.