AS Monaco FC, or Association Sportive de Monaco Football Club, is one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in European football. The team plays in the French top tier, Ligue 1, and has enjoyed great success over the years – there are eight league titles and five Coupe de France trophies to be counted in the proud AS Monaco history. But for a team that resides in the iconic Stade Louis II, and aptly reflects the glitz, glamour and success of its home city, the club came from remarkably humble beginnings.
AS Monaco History – Le Rouge et Blanc
As is the case for many of the established giants of world football, AS Monaco was created through the unification of several amateur sides (five to be precise) in 1919. It wasn’t long before the club began to make its mark, rapidly rising through the divisions until 1933. At this point, Monaco made a short foray into professional football, spending a season in the French second division before returning to the amateur leagues. But, much like the city it calls home, AS Monaco is a club that thrives on ambition, and by 1953 persistence paid off – the club reached the lofty heights of the first division.
Silverware in the sixties, elation in the eighties
After just a few years of top-flight football, AS Monaco got its first taste of silverware, winning the Coupe de France under manager Lucien Leduc in season 59/60. And one trophy soon led to another – Monaco landed the French Championship the next year, subsequently securing the league and cup double in 1963.
An unremarkable few years followed, that saw Monaco alternating between the first and second division. But then came the eighties and with them a glut of domestic and cup trophies. Two Coupe de France and a French title later, and AS Monaco were restored to their former glory.
Famous faces
The nineties brought with them some faces that went on to be as recognisable as the panoramic coastal vistas of Monaco itself. Manager Arsène Wenger presided over another domestic title in his debut season. But perhaps more importantly, Wenger secured the services of stars such as George Weah, Glenn Hoddle and Jürgen Klinsmann, whilst nurturing promising youth players – Emmanuel Petit, Lilian Thuram and Thierry Henry to name a few.
But following the departure of Wenger and subsequent stalwarts Jean Tigana and Claude Puel, the noughties saw AS Monaco enter another state of flux. The club was relegated due to debt problems, before Didier Deschamps was appointed as manager, and heralded one of Monaco’s most admirable attempts at European glory in its history, including a UEFA Champions League Final appearance in 2004 (that they lost to Porto 3-0).
New developments at AS Monaco
Despite its ups and downs over the years, AS Monaco in its modern incarnation has much to offer the discerning football fan. The club is renowned for everything that appeals to an enthusiast of the beautiful game and mirrors the allure of its namesake – breathtaking style, millionaire owners and a stunning place to call home. In the past few years, stars of the future such as France’s Kylian Mbappé have proudly worn the red and white.
So, on the subject of Monaco new developments, why not pay AS Monaco a visit? With a heritage as rich as the AS Monaco history you may even be tempted to support the team in calling this stunning city home.
