Who is Mathys Detourbet? Meet Monaco's exciting new attacking talent

Fresh from helping ESTAC Troyes lift the Ligue 2 BKT title, Mathys Detourbet now has the opportunity to make his mark in Ligue 1 McDonald's.

The 19-year-old winger arrives at AS Monaco on loan from Manchester City after a breakthrough campaign in which he emerged as one of the most exciting young attackers in the French game. Blessed with blistering pace, fearless dribbling and an appetite for taking on defenders, the France Under-20 international will now continue his development under Felipe Luís in the Principality.

Ligue 2's most dangerous dribbler

If one statistic encapsulates Detourbet's game, it is this: no player completed more successful dribbles in Ligue 2 BKT last season. Operating predominantly from the left flank, he constantly looked to isolate defenders before beating them with sharp changes of direction and explosive acceleration. It is a style of football he has consciously developed throughout his career.

'As a winger, I often find myself one against one,' he explained. 'I try to develop that quality as much as possible. Dribbling is something I always try to do, whether it's beating my opponent with body feints or changes of direction.'

That direct approach helped Troyes to the Ligue 2 BKT title, with Detourbet contributing four goals and seven assists in 37 league appearances before earning a move within the City Football Group.

A reward for years of patience

Detourbet's rise has been built patiently. Having joined Troyes at the age of nine, he progressed through every level of the academy before making his professional debut in the Coupe de France during the 2024-25 campaign. Less than two years later, he left with a league winner's medal and promotion to Ligue 1.

'I think everyone dreams of winning a title with their academy club,' he said. 'I'm delighted for Troyes and I hope they stay in Ligue 1 next season.'

One of his fondest memories came late in the promotion run when he scored in a 3-0 victory over AS Saint-Étienne, a result that effectively sealed the club's return to the top flight.

Why Monaco?

Although Manchester City moved quickly to secure his signature on a five-year contract, Monaco quickly emerged as the ideal destination for the next step in his development.

The club's long-standing reputation for nurturing young talent was a decisive factor.

'I've followed Monaco since I was very young, especially when Kylian Mbappé and Radamel Falcao were here,' he said. 'I have always loved this club and I know coming here is important for my development because it's an excellent club for young players. You want to follow in their footsteps.'

Detourbet also arrives with familiar faces already in the dressing room. Having represented France at youth level, he knows Jules Stawiecki, Aladji Bamba and Pape Cabral well.

'I asked them if Monaco would be a good club for me,' he revealed. 'They all told me I'd be very happy here. I can't wait to get started.'

A different attacking option

Felipe Luís has inherited an exciting collection of young attacking talent, and Detourbet offers another profile to complement it.

Rather than relying solely on combination play, the teenager's biggest strength is his willingness to attack defenders directly. Comfortable receiving the ball wide before driving inside or attacking the byline, he brings unpredictability and verticality—qualities that can be decisive against organised defensive blocks.

At 19, there is still room to develop greater consistency in front of goal and refine his decision-making in the final third. But his ability to eliminate defenders is already an elite attribute, and one that made him one of Ligue 2's standout young performers last season.

With UEFA Conference League qualifying, domestic ambitions and another exciting generation taking shape in the Principality, Detourbet is eager to play his part.

'I want to help the club get through the Conference League play-offs, go as far as possible in the competition, do well in the Coupe de France and help bring Monaco back to the Champions League,' he said.

After lighting up Ligue 2, Mathys Detourbet now has the chance to showcase his talent on one of the biggest stages in French football.

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