A New Era for AS Monaco
Ahead of Its Time
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.