“We’ve been halted, for sure… I didn’t expect it either,” admitted Pocognoli post-match. Two wins, two draws was the Belgian’s record heading into the showdown against Paris FC. The dynamic was positive, the “mindset was good” in training, following Wednesday’s 5-3 win over Nantes; Les Parisiens’ form has been middling in recent weeks; and Monaco’s home record in 2025 is excellent, with their only defeat under the arches of the Stade Louis II coming against Benfica in early February. Pocognoli’s confidence was well-founded.

But it quickly evaporated as Monaco “ran out of steam” early on against Paris FC. A positive chance saw the home side create two good opportunities in the first 10 minutes as Aleksandr Golovin struck wide before Mohammed Salisu headed at Kevin Trapp in the Paris FC goal. “We had a clear vision of what we wanted to do, and we had intensity, too,” said Pocognoli. But that clarity became blurred, and the intensity disappeared. By half-time, it was the visitors who were in the ascendancy and who would have been disappointed not to go into the break ahead.

Pocognoli denounces a ‘lack of fire’ from Monaco

From a corner, Jean-Philippe Krasso worked a yard and rifled a shot off Philipp Kohn’s post, and just seconds later, Moustapha Mbow headed wide from an excellent position. The break did not provide the reset that Pocognoli wanted, as his changes failed to switch the momentum of the encounter. One of his substitutes, Stanis Idumbo, was instead at fault as Monaco went behind.

The young Belgian, playing in an unfamiliar wing-back role, showed his inexperience, diving in on Maxime Lopez, who easily sidestepped and drove into the box. Unpressured, he picked out Moses Simon, whose scuffed effort went over the diving Kohn. There was little to no reaction. Maghnes Akliouche went close, forcing a strong save from Trapp, but that was the only chance of note in the final 30 minutes, during which it never felt that Monaco ever truly pushed for an equaliser.

“We didn’t create a lot of chances. Beyond the result, in terms of our play, it was insufficient. It wasn’t great against Toulouse either, but we created chances at least […] I think that there was a lack of fire on the pitch,” said Pocognoli. It was quite the contrast to the midweek win over Nantes. Naturally, in this context, Monaco’s strikers struggled, especially Mika Biereth, hooked at the break.

A trip to the Arctic Circle awaits Pocognoli’s men

“It wasn’t a sanction,” ensured Pocognoli. “I think that Mika gave everything in the first half, but there wasn’t the desired impact, and there wasn’t much more in the second half either, in a collective sense.” Whilst there wasn’t really a reaction to going behind against Paris FC, Pocognoli will be expecting to see another side to his team when they travel to the Arctic Circle to face Bodo/Glimt in midweek.

“I will learn a lot about my squad in these moments of defeat and see how they react. It will be interesting to see […] I am learning about my group,” said Pocognoli, who evoked a “lack of responsibility” taken by those on the pitch on Saturday. With the first defeat, the honeymoon period is over for Pocognoli, who must quickly turn this lesson into a reaction in the Champions League. It was a night of firsts on Saturday, and certainly not in a positive sense; a first UCL win of the season next week would show that lessons are indeed being learned and that this new version of Monaco are progressing in a positive direction.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo source: AS Monaco

The undefeated Monegasque contender will face Ireland’s Sean ‘The Public Nuisance’ McComb in a 10-round contest in the super-lightweight division, with the IBF European title on the line.

The belt, sanctioned by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) – one of boxing’s four major global governing bodies alongside the WBA, WBC and WBO – is a crucial stepping stone for fighters looking to break into the upper echelons of the sport.

Micallef, 26, has been steadily climbing the ranks since turning professional in September 2021, and currently holds an unblemished record of 11 wins, including three by knockout. His opponent, McComb, brings both experience and grit, with 20 wins (5 KOs), two draws, and a reputation for high-pressure, high-volume fighting.

The event is being staged under the banner of Matchroom Boxing, one of the world’s leading promotional outfits, and will be broadcast internationally via streaming platform DAZN.

A defining moment in Micallef’s rise

For Micallef, a victory on home soil would mark a turning point in his career, potentially opening doors to even greater opportunities on the European and world stage.

“This fight means everything to me — representing Monaco at this level, in front of my home crowd, with a title on the line… it’s what I’ve been working toward since day one,” the boxer recently told reporters.

The Salle des Étoiles, known for hosting legendary music and sporting events, will offer an intimate yet electric setting for the high-stakes showdown.

A platform for Monaco boxing

The fight also signifies the growing profile of professional boxing in Monaco, a nation more commonly associated with Formula 1 and tennis, but one that has quietly fostered a rising talent in Micallef.

McComb, a southpaw known for his relentless pace and tactical ring IQ, will present the sternest test of Micallef’s career to date. The Irishman’s resume includes tough opponents across multiple countries, and he will be looking to spoil the party and claim the IBF belt for himself.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

]]> https://monacolife.net/princess-charlene-joins-young-monaco-rugby-players-in-georgia/ Thu, 30 Oct 2025 13:02:34 +0000 https://monacolife.net/?p=115251 Princess Charlene of Monaco travelled to Georgia this week to support the Principality’s under-16 national rugby team during an intensive training camp ahead of an upcoming international tournament.

On Wednesday 29th October, the Princess — who serves as President of the Monegasque Rugby Federation — visited the Georgian Rugby Union’s training centre in Martkopi, a facility known for its elite infrastructure. She was accompanied by her brother Gareth Wittstock, General Secretary of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation.

The young Monegasque players are taking part in a series of friendly matches against top-tier Georgian teams as part of their preparation for the prestigious Dubai International Rugby Sevens tournament scheduled for late November.

As part of her visit, Princess Charlene also attended a first aid training session for youth athletes, co-organised by the Georgian Red Cross and the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. The workshop aimed to raise awareness among players about life-saving emergency techniques.

Princess Charlene was welcomed by Natia Loladze, President of the Georgian Red Cross, and Davit Kacharava, President of the Georgian Rugby Union and former national team captain.

The day ended on a high note for the Monaco U16 team, who celebrated two more victories during the camp, bringing their total to four wins and two losses.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo credit: Ana Demetrashvili / Georgian Rugby Union

The Ligue 1 club organised several initiatives around the match at Stade Louis II to raise awareness about breast cancer screening and support fundraising for research.

Valérie Barilaro, president of Ecoute Cancer Réconfort, had the honour of performing the ceremonial kick-off alongside Milène, an active member of the association. For Barilaro and her team, it was recognition of over three decades of vital work supporting cancer patients in the region.

The Monaco-based association, founded in 1992, provides a true lifeline to those battling cancer through volunteer listeners at the Princess Grace Hospital’s day unit. Additionally, the association also runs a wellbeing space called ‘L’espace Mieux-Etre’ where patients can access various activities and emotional support, designed to help them through their treatment and break the isolation that often accompanies illness.

Meanwhile, Monaco’s players wore special pink shirts during the warm up, featuring the association’s logo before the match, while club director general Thiago Scuro presented a signed shirt to Barilaro. Members of the association were also invited as guests to watch the game.

The pink theme extended throughout the stadium, with staff, stewards and hostesses all wearing pink ribbons, and prevention messages were also displayed on LED boards during the match.

Lastly, the club’s digital platforms, including their website and social media accounts, were also given a pink makeover for 72 hours over the weekend.

The initiative forms part of Monaco’s AS Monacoeur social responsibility programme, which has supported the Octobre Rose campaign for several years

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Main photo source: AS Monaco

The 16 young players and six staff members will train at the training centre of the Georgian Rugby Union in Martkopi, a facility recognised for its high‑level infrastructure and elite‑training environment. During the camp the Monegasque side will face four Georgian teams in friendly matches on 29th and 30th October, offering valuable match play ahead of the international sevens event in Dubai at the end of November.

Broad sporting and educational focus

The programme emphasises not only sport but also team unity and international exposure. Alongside the rugby sessions, the players will engage in a first‑aid training course conducted by the Georgian Red Cross Society in partnership with the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. This initiative seeks to raise awareness among the young athletes of life‑saving skills and the values of solidarity, responsibility and civic engagement inherent to sport and championed by Princess Charlène.

Strategic stepping stone

The Georgia camp marks a further step in the development of Monaco’s youth rugby. After previous international exposure — such as the U16s’ tour of South Africa in 2023 which paired sporting competition with cultural exchange — the Principality is seeking to elevate its standing through overseas preparation and events. The friendly matches in Martkopi will serve as vital preparation ahead of the end‑of‑November Dubai 7s.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok

Photo credit: Denis Arslanbekov, Unsplash

]]> https://monacolife.net/la-vuelta-monaco-to-become-first-city-to-launch-all-three-grand-tours/ Mon, 27 Oct 2025 14:08:35 +0000 https://monacolife.net/?p=115118 Monaco is set to make cycling history this summer, by becoming the first city in the world to host the start of all three Grand Tours. 

On Saturday 25th October, the route for La Vuelta’s opening stages was unveiled, with Prince Albert II attending the presentation just ten months before riders take to the streets.

The Principality had previously launched the Giro d’Italia in 1966 and hosted the Tour de France Grand Départ in 2009. La Vuelta will complete the unique treble.

Prince Albert II highlighted what the event means beyond sport. “This gives us a chance to show the world a different side of our country – one devoted to grassroots sport in its truest sense,” he said. “It’s about more than athletic experience. It shows our openness to the world, especially as we’re the Word Capital of Sport this year.”

Minister of State Christophe Mirmand said Monaco was counting down to the big day. “We’re now 300 days away from writing another brilliant chapter in our sporting history.”

La Vuelta director Javier Guillén praised the decision to start in Monaco. “This principality is known worldwide for sporting excellence and perfect organisation. The Formula 1 Grand Prix proves that. Launching La Vuelta here guarantees both prestige and success.”

The first two stages

The four-day festival begins on August 20th with the traditional team presentation.

Then, August 22nd brings the second event: a 9,6km time trial starting from the Casino Square. The route stays entirely within Monaco, taking riders past the Hôtel de Paris, through historic neighbourhoods, around the famous Fairmont hairpin, past both harbours, through the circus tent, by the Louis II Stadium, and finishing on the Formula 1 start-finish line.

Following, on August 23rd, stage two begins with a ceremonial roll-out from the Prince’s Palace Square. The racing starts at the Jardins Exotique before the riders head into France.

Italy, which hosted this year’s Vuelta start, formally handed over hosting duties to Monaco during this Saturday’s ceremony.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Main photo credit: Charly Gallo – Direction de la Communication

The Monegasque star continued his fine run of form following last weekend’s success in Austin, clinching his seventh podium of the season and the 50th of his Formula 1 career. It was also a milestone for Ferrari, marking their 836th podium finish. Leclerc started the race in second, behind pole-sitter Norris, and fought off early pressure from teammate Lewis Hamilton and Verstappen. As the laps unfolded, he committed to a one-stop strategy on Medium tyres — a gamble that paid off thanks in part to a timely Virtual Safety Car caused by Carlos Sainz retiring his Ferrari on lap 65.

“We didn’t come here expecting to replicate what we did in Austin,” said Leclerc after the race. “But we executed a second great weekend, this time one step higher on the podium. I was tempted to stop a second time, but decided to stick with the Mediums and make it work. We had some luck with the Virtual Safety Car, which definitely helped with Max closing in.”

Hamilton penalised, Verstappen fights back

Lewis Hamilton’s race was hampered early on by a dramatic tussle with Verstappen on lap six, during which the Dutchman was forced onto the grass. A subsequent clash between the pair led to the stewards handing Hamilton a 10-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage. He served the penalty during his pit stop on lap 23, rejoining in 14th before eventually finishing outside the podium places in seventh.

Verstappen, meanwhile, recovered from his early incidents to secure third place, but admitted post-race that the pace shown by Norris had been “chastening”. The Red Bull driver remains in the title fight but now sits 36 points behind the McLaren driver with just four races remaining.

Norris delivers flawless drive to reignite title hopes

The day, however, belonged to Lando Norris. The McLaren driver was in a class of his own from the moment he took over the car from rookie Pato O’Ward in second practice. His pole lap was one of the most impressive of the season, and in the race he managed the pressure at the start and maintained control throughout.

“In a way, I think it’s just my best performance through a whole weekend,” said Norris. “Every weekend’s a fresh start, and this weekend I just put everything together. We’ve been good for a few races now, and this win puts us right where we want to be.”

This victory marks Norris’ fourth of the season and moves him back ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri in the standings — a significant swing in momentum after a mid-season dip.

Piastri struggles as McLaren sharpens title focus

For Piastri, the weekend was one of damage limitation. He qualified nearly six-tenths behind Norris and spent the race battling through traffic to salvage a fifth-place finish. Team Principal Andrea Stella pointed to the low-grip conditions in Mexico as a factor, suggesting Norris’ adaptability gave him the edge.

“There’s no reason to think one of the final four races will favour one driver over the other,” said Stella. “But what’s clear now is that we have a car capable of dominating, and that’s the key to putting both our drivers in position to fight for the championship.”

With four races to go, McLaren has positioned itself as the team to beat in the 2025 title run-in, while Ferrari and Red Bull remain in hot pursuit.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo source: Scuderia Ferrari Media Centre

]]> https://monacolife.net/football-sebastien-pocognoli-earns-first-win-as-monaco-manager/ Sat, 25 Oct 2025 20:24:21 +0000 https://monacolife.net/?p=115076 Following back-to-back draws, Sébastien Pocognoli got his first win as manager of AS Monaco, beating Toulouse 1-0 at the Stade Louis II on Saturday night.

Four successive draws, two under Adi Hutter and then two under Pocognoli, preceded Le TéFéCé’s visit to the Principality. However, the overriding feeling was one of optimism coming into this game. Even Thomas Frank believed that Monaco deserved more than just one point when Tottenham Hotspur came to town on Wednesday.

But the draw extended what was a barren run both in the league and in Europe, and one that Pocognoli was desperate to bring to an end. They went about it in the right way, getting onto the front foot in the opening exchanges. From a Kassoum Outtara ball into the box, the onrushing Mohammed Salisu found the far corner to build on a positive fortnight. A goal-scorer while on international duty with Ghana, he put in his best performance of the season against Tottenham and signed his timely return to form with another strong display.

Restes keeps Toulouse in the game

Within six minutes, Monaco could have doubled their advantage, but this time, Guillaume Restes was equal to the effort as he rushed off his line to make the save. He then made another big save to deny Folarin Balogun later in the half, before Fati failed to hit the target on the rebound.

After being denied by a goalkeeping masterclass in midweek, Pocognoli would have been fearing a repeat as Restes kept Toulouse in the game. Whilst Le TéFéCé rarely threatened Philipp Kohn in the Monaco goal, they were an ever-present threat with their set-pieces and long throws, the likes of which unsettled the Monégasque defence in midweek.

Restes continued to thwart the hosts in the second half. George Ilenikhena, off the bench, looked to chip the France youth international but misjudged his long-range effort, but his best save of the night was reserved for another substitute, Pape Cabral. The Monaco academy product’s shot was saved by the Toulouse goalkeeper, whose trailing hand diverted the ball back towards Cabral, whose rebound did beat Restes but not the post.

A first win in over a month for Monaco

It made for a nervy finish, but Monaco held on to win their first game in Ligue 1 since 21st September. “It’s a good feeling after five games without a win. A goal and a clean sheet, I am very happy,” reacted Salisu. Under Hutter, there were often results but rarely performances. In the opening two games of the Pocognoli era, there were performances but not the results to match, but against Toulouse, Monaco had both.

Provisionally back on the podium in Ligue 1, the Principality club will hope that this is a turning point. CEO Thiago Scuro said at the time of Pocognoli’s appointment that the club had their season’s objectives “under control”. It is through the newfound defensive solidity and improved performances heralded by the Belgian’s arrival that they will reach them.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo source: AS Monaco

Thomas Frank quickly identified the man “responsible” for Tottenham Hotspur’s resistance: Vicario. “He was very good today. I think that some of his saves were exceptional,” said the Tottenham manager, who was all too aware that his team had been bested in the Principality. If his eyes didn’t tell him, then the boos from the travelling away fans at full-time did.

But this is a match from which Monaco can have regrets. Sébastien Pocognoli, who took his place in the dugout at the Stade Louis II for the first time since replacing Adi Hutter, said that the feeling in the dressing room post-match was one of pride but also one of frustration. Both were certainly justified.

Vicario wins duel with Balogun

Against Premier League opposition, Monaco dominated almost from start to finish, peppering the Tottenham goal but failing to find that all-important goal. It was Folarin Balogun who went closest in the first half. The former Arsenal forward was brought in ahead of Mika Biereth and his frequent runs in behind justified that decision. One such run was picked out by Maghnes Akliouche, himself linked with a move to Spurs over the summer. However, Balogun was denied by the onrushing Vicario, who made the first of nine saves.

His next one, also from Balogun, was the pick of the lot as he got down low to his left to turn the curled effort around the post. Pocognoli said that Vicario receiving the man of the match award “says a lot”. It speaks to an excellent performance from the Italian but also to a wastefulness from the Principality club. Takumi Minamino was the main culprit, with the Japan international failing to hit the target with any of his three chances late on, but when Vicario was called upon, as he often was, he was up to the task. His excellent save from Jordan Teze’s close-range header felt like the decisive moment, the one in which it became clear that Monaco would not be able to beat the man mountain.

“It is a shame not to take the three points” – Monaco manager Pocognoli

But in the crowd, there was also a feeling of inevitability that this would be a smash-and-grab from Spurs, who failed to truly test Philipp Kohn, in what was a tale of two goalkeepers; one was busy, the other largely redundant. Even as Monaco tired in the closing stages, Tottenham could not capitalise. Naturally, even early in the Pocognoli reign, there is reason for optimism, despite the goalless draw.

“When you create so many chances against a team of this level and you keep a clean sheet, it is a shame not to take the three points, which were more than deserved,” said Pocognoli. “But we will gain a lot more in the long term by playing like this. I prefer this to winning 1-0, but by defending for the whole match and showing nothing positive.”

The Monaco manager admitted that, having taken just two from a possible nine so far in the Champions League, there is a “need for points”, although he dismissed any notion of “urgency” pre-match. Under Hutter this season, there were often results but not performances. The pendulum has swung. Pocognoli and Monaco will need both if they want their Champions League experience to go beyond the League Phase.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo source: AS Monaco

Three games, three defeats. It has been a tough start to the Youth League for Monaco, who, after conceding five against Manchester City last time out, conceded another four against Spurs. “We’re not quite at the level defensively,” admitted manager Djimi Traoré post-match. “If we concede fewer goals, we have a lot of attacking players who can make a difference,” he added.

Among them is Joan Tincres, the scorer of a brace against Tottenham Hotspur. He is by far the most experienced player in what is an inexperienced side further depleted by the injury crisis in the first-team, which has seen players such as Bradel Kiwa, Aladji Bamba, and Pape Cabral fast-tracked into the first-team set-up.

Tincres still in Monaco’s plans

At this level, Tincres is something of a veteran, especially given that he has played professional football, on loan at Ligue 2 side Amiens last season. However, it wasn’t a positive experience for Tincres, who is now using the Youth League to rebuild his confidence and his young career. “His development was slowed down,” Traoré told us post-match.

He added, “He scored a lot of goals under my management last season, but he wanted to take the step to be in a professional team. I have a lot of respect for that, and so he went to Amiens, but it didn’t go well. The club is counting on him. I have told him that the Youth League is a chance for him to show the best of himself. He showed that he is on form today, but he is coming back from an injury; I promise you, though, this isn’t a Joan Tincres at 100%, that will be in about a month.”

If Monaco are to qualify for the next round of the Youth League, they will need Tincres fit and firing, especially given the current defensive fragility. It was thanks to the formidable Jules Stawiecki, a “special player” in the words of Traoré, in goal, that Les Monégasques kept in the game until the final stages. He made four excellent saves inside the first 20 minutes. “Even if he is a goalkeeper and has to make stops, too, it is thanks to him that we can play the way that we do, by playing out from the back. He is good technically, calm, and can break the lines. It is a relief to have a goalkeeper of his quality at this level,” said Troaré.

However, he was beaten by Oliver Irow who got the first of the game, finishing a cross from Luca Williams-Barnett. Tincres levelled before the break and then got his second the other side of half-time before Spurs’ comeback. Elijah Upson’s towering header meant that Les Monégasques’ lead was short-lived before Tynan Thompson allowed Spurs to retake the advantage. A red card for Kenan Moulangou left Monaco a man down and a goal down, and the Premier League side worked their numerical advantage to good effect, netting a fourth through Leo Black.

Traoré in contact with new Monaco manager Pocognoli

There is learning to do for Traoré’s side and also a need to adjust. The Groupe Élite mimics the first team in terms of style and shape in order to allow players who make the step up to quickly integrate. The effects of the managerial change and the arrival of Sébastien Pocognoli are naturally felt at youth level.

“It is the same style, the same principles,” highlighted Traoré, drawing the similarities between Pocognoli and his predecessor, Adi Hutter. “We are applying everything [from the first-team]. With the managerial change, I told the squad that it is a chance for everyone, the cards are re-dealt. It’s an opportunity for them to show that they can play at a higher level, but for some, the step is currently too big.”

Traoré revealed that he had spoken with the incoming Pocognoli, whose time to work with his new squad has been limited since signing on the dotted line during the international break. “It’s all new for him. He is finding out about the young players. From the conversation we had, he is happy with the young players from the academy,” said Monaco’s Groupe Élite manager. All signs are that, like Hutter, Pocognoli will look to continue integrating academy players into the set-up, and it was telling that first-team coaches Kevin Mirallas and Artur Kopyt were both pitchside for the match.

Providing a pathway for these players is the long-term aim. In the short term, Monaco’s academy must reverse the trend in their Youth League campaign and that is what Traoré hopes to do. “Why not take nine points from our last three games?” said Traoré. Easier said than done.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo credit: Luke Entwistle / Monaco Life