Dmitry Rybolovlev Honours the Red & Whites: Celebrating 40 Years of Monaco’s Iconic Stade Louis II

Forty years ago, on January 26, 1985, AS Monaco stepped onto the pitch of their brand-new home, the Stade Louis-II, for the very first time. Just a day after its inauguration by Prince Rainier III, the stadium witnessed a resounding debut.
Forty years ago, on January 26, 1985, AS Monaco stepped onto the pitch of their brand-new home, the Stade Louis-II, for the very first time. Just a day after its inauguration by Prince Rainier III, the stadium witnessed a resounding debut. The Red and Whites triumphed over RC Lens with a commanding 3-0 victory, with Bernard Genghini netting the stadium’s historic first goal from a penalty, followed by a swift double from Philippe Anziani.

A New Era for AS Monaco

The inauguration of the Stade Louis-II marked a turning point not just for AS Monaco but for the Principality itself. Located in Fontvieille, a district reclaimed from the sea, the stadium was the culmination of six years of planning and construction. Completed in late 1984, it replaced its predecessor, also named Stade Louis-II, which had stood since 1939. With its iconic nine arches and 18,523 seats (later adjusted to 16,360), the new venue was far more than a football stadium—it was a symbol of Monaco’s modern ambitions.

Ahead of Its Time

Beyond football, the Stade Louis-II was a multi-sport marvel. Its state-of-the-art design included a 4,560-seat sports hall, which would later become the home of Monaco’s basketball team, the Roca Team, an Olympic diving pool, and extensive training facilities for young athletes. Beneath the stadium, three levels of parking added to its reputation as a groundbreaking architectural feat.

A Legendary Debut

The first match at the new Stade Louis-II was nothing short of memorable. On January 26, 1985, AS Monaco hosted RC Lens for a Division 1 clash. The atmosphere was electric as HSH Prince Albert II performed the ceremonial kick-off. Under the leadership of coach Lucien Muller, and led by the talented Bruno Bellone, nicknamed “Lucky Luke,” the team delivered a dominant performance.

The breakthrough came in the 58th minute when Bernard Genghini coolly converted a penalty, etching his name in history as the scorer of the stadium’s first goal. Moments later, Philippe Anziani sealed the victory with two quick strikes, sending the crowd into jubilation. Amid the excitement, a quirky mishap occurred: the scoreboard briefly displayed an exaggerated score of “30-0,” adding a humorous twist to an already unforgettable day.

Four Decades of Glory

Since that inaugural match, the Stade Louis-II has become synonymous with AS Monaco’s triumphs and European exploits. The stadium has borne witness to four Ligue 1 titles and legendary Champions League victories over European giants while hosting great teams including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, and Manchester City. Its iconic arches have become a symbol of the club’s resilience and ambition.

On the eve of this 40th anniversary, AS Monaco’s president, Dmitry Rybolovlev, honoured the occasion by presenting a commemorative jersey to Sylvie Bertrand, the stadium’s director. This gesture celebrated not just the stadium’s past but also its enduring role as the heart of Monaco’s sporting legacy.

From its groundbreaking design to the unforgettable moments it has hosted, the Stade Louis-II remains a testament to Monaco’s spirit—a place where history, innovation, and passion come together.

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