The Challengers: consistency key for AS Monaco

AS Monaco currently sit atop the Ligue 1 McDonald's tree, but are Adi Hutter's men capable of staying there? We continue our series on Paris Saint-Germain's challengers by delving into the Principality club's prospects this season.

Mbappé helped fire Monaco to last Ligue 1 McDonald's title

Monaco are one of the three teams to beat PSG to the Ligue 1 McDonald's title during the current QSI era, which began back in 2011; Lille and Montpellier, currently in Ligue 2, are the others.

Monaco's triumph came back in 2017, with the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Radamel Falcao, Bernardo Silva, and Fabinho instrumental to the success, led by manager Leonardo Jardim.

That win was followed by a period of fluctuation in performances. Under Hutter, however, consistency has returned to the Principality. When the Austrian arrived, Monaco were about to embark on a season without any form of European football. However, in back-to-back seasons, he has led Monaco to a podium finish in Ligue 1, and once again, the Principality club are Champions League regulars.

A key asset retained

Consistency has been a hallmark of this Monaco side in recent years, and there is also consistency within their squad. There were departures this summer, with Eliesse Ben Seghir and Wilfried Singo notably leaving, however, the core has been kept intact. One of the biggest boosts has been their ability to retain Maghnes Akliouche, one of the most technically-gifted players in Ligue 1 McDonald's and now a France international, too.

In the opening weeks of the season, he has been pivotal. However, there is a diverse threat to the Monaco attack. Hutter is spoiled for choice in the forward areas, with Mika Biereth, Folarin Balogun, Paris Brunner, Aleksandr Golovin, Takumi Minamino, Stanis Idumbo, George Ilenikhena, and now Ansu Fati all vying for a place in the side. It is healthy competition and it ensures that all of Monaco's forwards are kept on their toes.

Pogba the 'X factor'

Fati made an electric start to life in Ligue 1 McDonald's. He took just 37 seconds to net his first goal against FC Metz over the weekend, and his second later in the same game helped his side towards a 5-2 win.

The Barcelona loanee has struggled in recent seasons and is looking to regain his form in the Principality, as is Paul Pogba. La Pioche is yet to make his Monaco debut, and his Ligue 1 McDonald's debut, in fact, but he certainly has the potential to be a game-changer when he does.

Paul Pogba 8⃣ 🫡 pic.twitter.com/NaHhufhrlq
— AS Monaco EN 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco_EN) September 25, 2025

The 2018 World Cup-winner with France could make his long-awaited return next month and would add another dimension to their midfield. He also brings experience, and it is Monaco's blend between experience and exciting youthful players this season that makes them so strong.

Monaco currently sit top, but despite four wins in their first five games, Hutter remains "unsatisfied" with performances. The results are already there, and if their attractive, fluent, attack-minded style can return to the fore, there is no reason that they won't be fighting right at the top of Ligue 1 McDonald's/

>> The Challengers: Can a new-look Marseille challenge at the top?