George Ilenikhena: Monaco Youngster Seeks to Overcome Injury Setback
One To Watch
George Ilenikhena recorded a brace in AS Monaco's 7-1 victory over FC Nantes this past weekend, and it was a much-needed performance for the 18-year-old after missing about a month due to injury.
Ilenikhena joined Monaco this past summer from Belgian side Antwerp, where he scored 15 goals and recorded one assist in 50 total appearances.
The 18-year-old's decision to join Monaco marked his return to France after spending three years at Amiens, where he came up through their youth system.
A Welcome to Monaco and Terrific Start
Despite his limited first-team experience, Les Rouges et Blancs were willing to take a chance on his potential, as Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro said last July during the player's introduction press conference.
"As you know, our philosophy is to invest in young players with high potential, with the aim of developing them. We have followed George's progress over the last two years, whether in Ligue 2 in France or last year in Belgium."
"We are therefore very happy that he has chosen AS Monaco to continue his development. His is a profile that interested us a lot, he has a very good mentality and above all great ambition, like us."
The teenager’s time at Monaco got off to a fantastic start, as he scored the eventual game-winner in the 71st minute against FC Barcelona on Matchday 1 of the UEFA Champions League. He also made history by becoming Monaco's youngest goalscorer in the competition.
This goal against the Spanish club was his second, with his first coming in 2023 during the Champions League group stage. Ilenikhena still has a long career ahead of him, but as he mentioned in a press conference last July, scoring against Barcelona in 2023 was a career highlight.
"It was a very emotional moment. For now, it is the best goal of my career because it was scored in the Champions League, it is not just any competition."
Even though he's a newcomer, Ilenikhena also understands that he's at a big club with ambitions of playing Champions League and winning trophies.
"I know that AS Monaco is a very big club with a lot of ambition, and I am that way too. That’s why I came here. I want to work hard and I want to have a great season."
Injury Setback and Return
Although the youngster experienced early success in the Champions League this season, the goal against Barcelona didn't spark a successful run, as Ilenikhena endured a challenging period. Ilenikhena's next goal didn't come until Nov. 9. against RC Strasbourg.
Rather than building momentum, he faced adversity again when an adductor injury sidelined him for 10 matches during the 2024-25 season. His last appearance before this weekend came against Paris Saint-Germain in the Trophée des Champions at the start of January.
Ilenikhena’s first action since returning from injury came against Nantes. If his brace helps him build momentum for the rest of the season, he could provide much-needed scoring firepower for Monaco as they push for an automatic Champions League spot next year.
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