19 ° C
Profile

Tag: monaco

Football: Monaco salvage draw but pass up golden chance in Champions League race

by: Luke Entwistle
19/04/2026
Simon Adingra cuts back under the sun at the Stade Louis II as Monaco are held by Auxerre

AS Monaco came from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw against Auxerre, but after their competitors for Champions League football slipped up, Sébastien Pocognoli’s side missed a golden opportunity.

The worst was avoided, but Monaco left the Stade Louis II with regrets on Sunday afternoon. “Is the glass half empty or half full? We’ll judge at the end of the season. But it is a match that mirrors our season more globally: we’re reacting,” reacted Sébastien Pocognoli. You also wonder how Claude Puel views the result. The former Monaco manager was in attendance as the club celebrated 50 years of their renowned academy. Now manager of fierce rivals OGC Nice, who took a point off Lille on Saturday, his side are being chased by Auxerre, who themselves are hot on their heels in the fight to remain in Ligue 1.

Like Pocognoli, he wouldn’t have enjoyed the first half. Monaco started with intent but came up against a solid and compact block. Chances were always likely to be limited for Auxerre. But when they came, they were taken. Kévin Danois finished spectacularly, tracking a looping ball onto his right foot and volleying brilliantly from the outside of the box. The response from Monaco was not marked, and the task was made more difficult on the half-hour mark when Lassine Sinayoko, after a game of pinball on the edge of Les Monégasques’ box, finished first-time on the volley.

Monaco emerge for second half with “more pronounced mindset”

Monaco were down but not out, and it wouldn’t prove to be the knockout blow for a side that were looking to bounce back from last weekend’s 4-1 humbling at the hands of Paris FC. The reaction, however, was not immediate and the boos that accompanied the Monaco player’s trundle back to the dressing room were no surprise. Pocongoli has previously said that he only shouts when he feels it absolutely necessary. “It is the first time that, at half-time, I was very disappointed,” said Pocognoli. “He said what needed to be said,” added Wout Faes. Whatever was said or whatever the tone, it had an effect.

Granted, the introduction of Simon Adingra at the break, at the expense of Aladji Bamba, had its own effect, but for Pocognoli, it didn’t “explain the turnaround.” The Monaco manager added, “I think there was a more ‘pronounced’ [positive] mindset [in the second-half]. I wanted a reaction and it was a very good second half.”

Adingra provided the width on the left that gave Jordan Teze the space to curl a shot on target and truly test Donovan Léon for the first time. He couldn’t do anything about Ansu Fati’s right-footed effort minutes later. The deficit halved, something of a frenzy ensued. Three minutes later and Monaco were level thanks to Folarin Balogun, who, having been downed by Léon in the box, got up and blasted his penalty down the middle. The USMNT forward then thought he had given the home side the lead, only for the offside flag to cut short the celebrations, and all the while, Auxerre continued to look dangerous on the break.

Monaco – not exactly a flat-track bully

Bar his spectacular goal, Sinayoko was wasteful, and Monaco will be thankful for that. Found unmarked inside the box, he had time and space to restore Auxerre’s lead, but could only put a tepid effort right at Hradecky. Some intelligent game management allowed the storm to pass and Monaco could not build up a head of steam as they searched for the late winner.

After Lille and Marseille both dropped points on Saturday, Monaco saw a golden opportunity to cut the gap pass them by. “It is a shame because we had the chance to be the beneficiaries of those results. If we want to challenge them, we have to take our chances. That will be decisive. Everything will have to align for us to have a finish to the season in line with our ambitions,” said Pocognoli.

Monaco will now hit the road, with games away to Toulouse and Metz, matches certainly winnable on paper… but so was this match against Auxerre and the one last weekend against Paris FC. Ultimately, however, the Principality club took just one point from these matches, compared to the six that they took against Marseille and Lyon in the two previous gameweeks. ASM conclude the season against two European challengers in the form of Lille and Strasbourg. It is not just by beating those around them that they will secure Champions League qualification for next season.

 

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo source: AS Monaco

Monte-Carlo Fashion Week: Seven brands featured at two-day fashion hub in Monaco

by: Kayla Sauceda
16/04/2026

A two-day fashion hub at Marius Monaco is bringing together international designers against the backdrop of Port Hercule this week.

Thursday 16th April marked day one of a two-day fashion hub hosted at Marius Monaco overlooking Port Hercule in Monaco. Taking place as part of Monte-Carlo Fashion Week, the event features seven international fashion brands, each bringing something unique to the showcase.

Baíah, a contemporary swimwear brand defined by sculpted silhouettes with an emphasis on sustainability; Crida Milano, a refined Italian ready-to-wear brand offering timeless femininity; Daphne Milano, offering elevated springtime dresses for every occasion; Di Iorio Monaco, a Monaco-based designer offering expertly crafted heels; Presente Ancestral, culturally inspired pieces blending heritage with modern design; Sorellina Bijoux, delicate, elegant jewelry designed for everyday wear; and Yasmina Al Jaramani, refined artistic fashion defined by a detail-driven approach.

The hosted brands offer a full spectrum of fashion, from ready-to-wear luxury designs to swimwear, shoes, and jewellery. The kickoff event at 1pm welcomed a crowd of enthusiastic guests eager to discover the brands present. Guests had the opportunity to enjoy a welcome drink and hors d’oeuvres while shopping and exploring the collections.

The setting proved to be a natural complement to Monaco’s landscape, with a stunning view of yachts set behind the collections. The fashion hub will continue into Friday, offering guests a final opportunity to discover the collections in an intimate, waterfront setting.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo credit: Kayla Sauceda, Monaco Life

Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters in pictures

by: Kayla Sauceda
14/04/2026

The Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters once again brought together world-class tennis, celebrity appearances and a vibrant Riviera atmosphere. From decisive moments on court to scenes from the stands, here is a look at the tournament through the lens.

The Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters once again drew a strong international field, with many of the top-ranked players competing for one of the most prestigious titles of the clay season. Throughout the week, the tournament delivered a series of closely contested matches, including a standout run from hometown hero Valentin Vacherot and the rise of a new world number one.

Beyond the court, the event upheld a true sense of Monaco, combining high-level sport with a refined social atmosphere. Prince Albert II, along with other key figures of the Principality, added to the occasion, reflecting the tournament’s important place in Monaco’s sporting calendar.

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz share a moment at the net following their match on center court. Photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier

 

Carlos Alcaraz in action during a rally on the clay courts of Monte-Carlo. Photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier

 

The trophy ceremony unfolds on center court at the Monte-Carlo Country Club. Photo credit: Luke Entwistle / Monaco Life

 

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene with Valentin Vacherot, Charles Leclerc and Mélanie-Antoinette de Massy during the Monte-Carlo Masters. Photo source: Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters

 

Members of the Princely family and guests watch the action from the stands during the tournament. Photo credit: Frédéric Dides / Hans Lucas

 

Valentin Vacherot celebrates a point during his Monte-Carlo Masters run. Photo credit: Yaro T. / Yaro Films

 

Hugo Nys and Édouard Roger-Vasselin, representing Monaco and France, reached the doubles semi-finals at the Monte-Carlo Masters. Photo credit: Manuel Vitali / Monte-Carlo Country Club

 

Carlos Alcaraz and Valentin Vacherot embrace at the net following their match. Photo credit: Luke Entwistle / Monaco Life

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Main photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier

Monaco’s Ukrainian community unites for launch of Les Amis de l’Ukraine

by: Kayla Sauceda
13/04/2026

An evening at Les Grands Chais Monégasque brought together Monaco’s Ukrainian community and supporters for the launch of Les Amis de l’Ukraine.

On an evening defined by unity and togetherness, Les Grands Chais Monégasque held the inaugural cocktail reception for Les Amis de l’Ukraine, a new association here in Monaco led by Alexandre Caracchini.

Caracchini shared that the association, along with events like this, plays an important role in giving Ukrainians opportunities to meet and learn more about ongoing projects within the community. He noted that “together we are stronger”, emphasising that everyone can come together to help – Ukrainian or not. With such a positive response and strong turnout, Caracchini expressed high aspirations for the association’s future.

Building connection within Monaco’s Ukrainian community

Although he noted that roughly only 20% of Ukrainians in Monaco are currently connected with Les Amis de l’Ukraine, that number continues to grow through events like these. They are eager to host larger gatherings, further integrate with the Monaco community, and help Ukrainians find a place to meet others, particularly for those who have not yet found that since arriving in Monaco.

In the four months since the association was initiated, Caracchini shared that he has been very pleased with its progress. He believes it is important to bring philanthropy to everything being done in Monaco and emphasises the value of continued collaboration in raising awareness.

The event provided the opportunity to meet many inspiring individuals leading their own initiatives in support of Ukraine.

Humanitarian initiatives supporting Ukraine

Nataliya Dubosq, President of Agir and Soutenir l’Ukraine, alongside her husband Gael Dubosq, shared the many ways their association is involved in humanitarian efforts supporting Ukraine. One example of this is their support of Le Boulanger Sans Frontières, an organisation that travels to Ukraine to provide bread to people in need while also boosting morale. Stabnet, another association they collaborate with, is a stabilisation network supporting mobile hospitals. They aid in funding this and ensuring sufficient doctors, surgeons, and resources are available near the front lines.

In December, they also collaborated with Cœurs d’Avenir to coordinate a fundraising event in Cannes, where international ballet performers raised money for Ukrainian children who have lost a parent due to the war. Cœurs d’Avenir founder, Iryna Komara, also present at the event, shared that the organisation has already supported around 60 children over the past two years, with plans to help many more.

The association also organises football teams and matches for individuals who are amputees because of the war, offering them the opportunity to continue participating in sport. Throughout these conversations, one thing was clear: these individuals are deeply committed to their work, and collaboration only strengthens their impact.

See also: Interview: How one woman is manufacturing bionic prosthetics for Ukraine from Monaco

Bridging cultures and supporting new arrivals

Anna Kazimir, founder, and Svetlana Berezovska, president of UMA (Ukraine Monaco Association) offer an opportunity for Ukrainian culture to be shared in Monaco. Through fundraisers, events, and other humanitarian efforts – they launched the organisation in 2022 with the aim of supporting Ukrainians arriving from war-affected regions. This included assisting with accommodations, offering advice, language courses, and even chess clubs for families.

Their main goal is to be a bridge between countries. They welcome people of all cultures as a very international organisation. These efforts, beyond Monaco, include volunteers involved in delivering medical equipment, supporting hospitals, and contributing to wider humanitarian initiatives. At the event, they are eager to meet the many people present and see how else they can unite to help.

Strengthening dialogue and international cooperation

Ukrainian legal expert Olha Drachevska is the founder of Incolanse Law Firm and a recognised specialist in commercial and administrative law. With a PhD in law, she has advised leading industrial enterprises and is also a frequent media commentator on legal and societal issues. Speaking during the evening, she described it as “an important symbol of a new stage in the development of relations between Ukraine and Monaco”, highlighting the growing importance of cooperation between the two countries. She added that the opening of the Honorary Consulate reflects “a strong commitment to strengthening mutual trust and partnership”, while also creating “a platform for constructive engagement” across legal, cultural and economic spheres.

Emphasising Monaco’s global positioning, she noted that “Ukraine’s presence here carries strategic significance”, expressing confidence that the initiative marks “the beginning of a long-term and fruitful dialogue”.

Alexandre Caracchini brought together a group of Ukrainians based in the region with aspirations of creating unity and opportunity for one another. This theme resonated across conversations throughout the evening. As Les Amis de l’Ukraine continues its initiatives, the evening reflected a growing sense of connection and collaboration within the community.

See also: 

Interview: Monaco’s new Honorary Consul of Ukraine Alexandre Caracchini

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo credit: Alexandre Caracchini

Tennis: Alcaraz and Sinner tested but on course for Monte-Carlo Masters final meeting

by: Luke Entwistle
09/04/2026
Sinner on the stretch to keep a ball in on the Monégasque clay

Neither Jannik Sinner nor Carlos Alcaraz had things all their own way on Thursday but both progressed against in-form opponents to remain on-track for a meet-up in the final of this year’s Monte-Carlo Masters.

Whilst Sinner and Alcaraz have created something of a duopoly in world tennis, there was a reminder that neither were infallible as both were tested on the clay of the Monte-Carlo Country Club. “I found myself in a difficult position,” admitted Sinner after his win over Tomas Machac. The Czech found himself in hostile surroundings, with his fans drowned out by another strong Italian following. However, he came into this tournament with confidence, having won his second ATP title just last month.

Machac may not have bettered Sinner but he did at least shatter the prevailing feeling of invincibility. On Wendesday, Daniil Medvedev suffered a humbling ‘Double Bagel’ on Court Rainier III (6-0, 6-0), and when broken on his first two service games by Sinner, he may have briefly feared a familiar fate. Winning one service game spared him (6-1), but didn’t provide hope of a challenge.

Sinner walking off court at the MCCC. Photo credit: Luke Entwistle, Monaco Life

Yet Machac did resist. Sinner missed a break point in the second game before his Czech opponent then fought back. Broken a first time, the Italian crowd tried to lift their national icon later in the set. However, he would succumb to a second break of serve (5-2). It was a long way back for Sinner to prevent ceding his first set in a Masters event since Shanghai back in October, a run extending an incredible 37 sets.

He did roar back, breaking Machac twice to take the second set to a tie-break, however, to the disappointment of the Tifosi, Machac would prevail (7-3) and take the match to a deciding set. Sinner regained his composure, broke Machac in the third game and then again in the ninth, avoiding a minor scare (6-1, 6-7, 6-3), but giving reason for optimism for Alcaraz, who needed to dispatch Tomás Etcheverry to secure his place in the quarter-finals.

As Sinner did earlier in the day, Alcaraz broke Etcheverry, who won his first-ever ATP event earlier this year, three times in the first set. His dominance was assured but then shaken in the second. The Spaniard, defending his title, was broken in the third game and then again in the fifth. An immediate reply in the sixth was in vain as No.30 seed Etcheverry saw out the second set (6-4).

Alcaraz teased an opening in the first game of the third set with a double double fault, but having held, the Spaniard then broke on Etcheverry’s first service game. As the sun began to set over centre court, Etcheverry’s hope dimmed, the error from the world’s No.1 not forthcoming. He would not go quietly into the night, denying two match points valiantly before falling on the third (6-1, 4-6, 6-3).

Alcaraz in action at the Monte-Carlo Masters. Photo credit: Luke Entwistle, Monaco Life

With Sinner and Alcaraz needing over two hours each to overcome their opponents, the sun had already set when Valentin Vacherot came out on Court Rainier III. After the emotion of beating world No.5 Lorenzo Musetti on centre court the night before (7-6, 7-5), the Monégasque had to dial back in progress to the quarter-finals at the expense of No.74 seed Hubert Hurkacz.

Monaco’s history-maker Vacherot moves into world top 20

Faltering on centre court against lower-ranked opponents became a trend on Thursday and Vacherot did not buck it, losing the first set (7-6). However, the Monégasque came charging back in the second (6-3). In a close game, prevailing in key moments was going to be key and it is in this domain that Vacherot had the upper hand. The Monégasque took four of his eight break points, Hurkacz just two of his 13 and the latter would rue his wastefulness. It was in the seventh game that Vacherot, after a gruelling 10 minutes, would take the lead, which, despite being led 40-15 when serving for the match, he would not concede (6-7, 6-3, 6-4).

With the clock ticking past 21:30, the Monégasque supporters, who savoured the high and lows of the nearly three-hour game, were rewarded with a memorable and historic victory. It is a win that sees Vacherot move into the top 20 in the world rankings, becoming the first Monégasque to do so. When he plays against Alex De Minaur in his quarter-final on Friday, despite playing on familiar clay, he will be in unknown territory. No Monégasque has ever gone this far in the competition. Records have tumbled, and Vacherot will want to continue to break even more before the week is out.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo credit: Luke Entwistle, Monaco Life

Football: Monaco edge rivals Marseille to continue Champions League charge

by: Luke Entwistle
06/04/2026
Monaco players huddle after taking the lead at the Stade Louis II, against Marseille

AS Monaco registered their seventh consecutive victory in Ligue 1 on Sunday, but some wins are more important than others, and in that run, none were as important as this one over Olympique de Marseille (2-1).

Sébastien Pocognoli said that the match against Marseille was “important but not decisive” on Friday, but this felt like a game where more than points were on the line. Momentum and the chance to land a psychological blow were also at stake at the Stade Louis II. It was a big occasion, but one without the atmosphere to match. OM’s fans are renowned for the atmosphere that they bring both at the Vélodrome and at stadia across France, but they remained silent for the first 30 minutes. It was a strange atmosphere, and it translated on the pitch.

Both sides were disjointed, a little flat, lacking in ideas and rhythm. There were half-chances for Maghnes Akliouche, who missed the target with an acrobatic effort and then forced a save from Geronimo Rulli when put through by Jordan Teze. But there were no periods of sustained pressure, and in what was an end-to-end half, a “ping-pong” game in the words of Habib Beye, OM had chances of their own. Lukas Hradecky was up to the task on both occasions, denying Hamed Traoré and Igor Paixao from tight angles.

Hradecky the difference-maker for Monaco

No changes at the break meant no real change in the dynamic of a match that didn’t lean one way more than the other until Aleksandr Golovin broke the deadlock on the hour mark, volleying home a tantalising Jordan Teze cross. The intensity so sorely lacking finally arrived: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg forced a strong save, Traoré missed a free header, and Quinten Timber drew a Hollywood diving save from Hradecky. If the Finland international was impassible, Rulli was permeable; two shots on target, three goals for Monaco.

In the Argentine’s defence, there was little he could have done with Folarin Balogun’s effort. The in-form forward profited from a miscued ball from Hojbjerg, did CJ Egan-Riley for pace, and then placed a delightful chip into Rulli’s top corner. In a match that lacked a bit of quality, his effort was fair compensation. “It was one of the best goals [I’ve ever scored],” admitted the Monaco forward. “The importance of the goal makes it special,” he added.

As it transpired, Monaco’s second would prove crucial when Amine Gouiri wiggled his way through Denis Zakaria and Thilo Kehrer, poking past Hradecky and shattering Monaco’s composure. What followed was 10 frantic minutes, with chances for both sides. Hradecky forced an Emerson header over the bar, and from the following corner, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang improvised a poorly hit effort at the back post. Hradecky was out of the picture, but Teze was there to tidy up and clear off the line.

Pocognoli banned from the touchline

Monaco had their chances to kill it. Simon Adingra was played in and rounded Rulli, but from a tight angle, could not find the target. It was the Ivorian who was played in again in the final minutes. This time, he opted for the pass, but it was just beyond Mika Biereth, who, on the stretch, could not turn it into the empty net. Monaco held on, however.

Both Pocognoli and Balogun spoke about “staying humble” and “humility” in their post-match media duties. “We are aware that we are coming from far back […] what I like is that players are winning matches but there is no need for excessive enthusiasm. There are smiles but also a recognition of a past not so long ago that we don’t want to revisit,” added the Monaco manager. The Belgian was more powerless than usual. Suspended, he was forced to watch the game from the commentary positions. “I didn’t like it… sometimes you’re shouting up there, but it is only the commentators who can maybe hear me, but the advantage is that you get more of a global view,” said Pocognoli.

“It isn’t about shouting or having an aggressive presence,” said Pocognoli in reference to his half-time team talk. In any case, he found the right words at the midway point, and that applies to Monaco’s season more generally as the second half of it marks an increasingly radical departure from the first.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo source: AS Monaco