25/26 Preview #11: AS Monaco
last season
It was another successful season for Monaco, who once again reached their objective by qualifying for next season's Champions League. It was not as easily achieved as it was the season prior, however, with Marseille pipping them to second. Les Monégasques also enjoyed a return to the Champions League as they reached the play-off phase of the competition, ultimately coming unstuck against Benfica. It was a solid season, punctuated with plenty of highs as Monaco celebrated their centenary year.
the coach: adi hütter
Adi Hütter is now approaching his third season as Moanco manager. The Austrian succeeded Philippe Clement in the dugout at the Stade Louis II, and he has heralded an era of stability and consistency at the Principality club. Leading Monaco to a second and a third-place finish in his first two seasons, he has set high standards for his third campaign.
Beyond the results, Hütter also prioritises style. He often highlights the entertainment value of football and always looks to go on the offensive, no matter the opponent. Conceding goals is a trade-off that he accepts, so long as they ultimately win.
Beyond his attacking play-style, Hütter is also lauded for his man-management style and his ability to develop young players. Maghnes Akliouche has notably been transformed under his tutelage.
Key arrivals
Paul Pogba is certainly the most high-profile arrival at Monaco, if not all of Ligue 1 McDonald's. La Pioche, after two years without playing, rejoins the professional world and will be looking to make a quick impact and work his way back into the France set-up.
Work in progress for @paulpogba 💪 pic.twitter.com/6tn04v0EPO
— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) July 31, 2025
There is more experience in the form of Eric Dier, who, like Pogba, has arrived on a free transfer, following the expiry of his deal at Bayern Munich. He will add extra strength and depth to Les Monégasques' back line.
The forward line has been strengthened, too, with the arrival of Ansu Fati on loan from Barcelona, whilst the highly-experienced Lukas Hradecky has joined on a permanent deal from Bayer Leverkusen.
key departures
It has been a quiet summer in terms of outgoings at Monaco so far. Monaco, who develop so many top talents, are accustomed to selling them, but many remain at the club. Moatasem Al-Musrati, who spent the second half of last season on loan from Besiktas, has returned to his parent club. The highly-rated Saïmon Bouabré has moved to Neom in Saudi Arabia, whilst Radoslaw Majecki has joined fellow Ligue 1 McDonald's side Brest on a season-long loan deal.
Remember when...
Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro has stated that he wants the club to go further in the Champions League this season. Their best performance in the competition dates back to 2004, when a team containing the likes of Patrice Evra, Ludovic Giuly, Jérôme Rothen, Fernando Morientes, and Emmanuel Adebayor reached the final. The Principality club lost that final 3-0 to Porto.
cult hero: radamel falcao
There are plenty of players remembered very fondly at Monaco. A more recent hero is Radamel Falcao. It was a star-studded team that won the Ligue 1 McDonald's title back in 2017, with many going on to do great things. Falcao, prolific during his time at Monaco (140 games, 83 goals), still has a place in the hearts of many Monégasques.
Toujours un plaisir de te revoir, @FALCAO 🥰 pic.twitter.com/E660vr380d
— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) July 25, 2025
He netted 30 goals in that title-winning season and will always be remembered fondly in the Principality. El Tigre also has good memories of that era, as he showed by recently returning to the club's performance centre in La Turbie.
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