A new breeze is blowing over the heights of the Principality. In Monaco, a land of sport and excellence, an ambitious project is taking shape: Monaco United Football Club. Founded and presided over by Marco Simone, this brand-new sports entity is already establishing itself as a major player in the local and national sports scene. Breaking with traditional models, the heart of this project is dedicated to women’s football—a bold initiative built on strong values, aiming to make Monaco shine through the Monaco United Women’s Team, and more.
“25 years ago, I was here with the club’s leadership at the time to sign my contract with AS Monaco, a team I had the privilege to join. Today, I’m back in the same place—as a symbol—to present the Monaco United Football Club…”
A true legend of the Principality’s club, Marco Simone left a mark on Monaco’s football history. Also a former player for AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, the Italian striker boasts a trophy-filled career and in-depth knowledge of top-level international football. After years on pitches around the world, he now returns to the spotlight as the founder and president of Monaco United Football Club.
“Monaco gave me so much. Today, I want to give back—show my gratitude by dedicating my experience and energy to an innovative, forward-looking project,” says Marco Simone.
Women’s Football at the Core
Unlike the usual hierarchy in football, where men’s teams dominate in structure and investment, Monaco United places the women’s team at the core of its identity, making it the true cornerstone of this new club. “It all started from a vision, from my 40-year love of football,” explains Marco Simone. “This project took shape through my discovery of women’s football. In recent years, I immersed myself in this exciting world, constantly learning through hands-on experience. I was delighted to rediscover the human and sporting values I consider essential. That gave me the drive to build, develop, and grow women’s football in Monaco. Today, I’m proud to fully harness that potential by creating a professional structure here in the Principality.”
The Monaco United Women’s Team is set to enter the French league as early as this season, with a clear ambition: to climb the ranks and establish itself as a national and international reference in women’s football.
“We want to showcase the Principality and its sporting know-how by raising women’s football to the level it deserves,” – Marco Simone.
The club plans to attract international-level players to build a competitive, ambitious squad capable of quickly reaching the top tier of French football and taking on the current powerhouses. “We’re here to contribute, not to compete. We want to build something new and someday reach the Champions League final,” says Morris Pagniello, founder of Racing City Group, the club’s main partner. Justin Davis, co-founder and CEO of Racing City Group, shares this vision: “Our mission is ambitious. We want to create one of the greatest, most prestigious clubs in the world—especially in women’s football. It requires significant commitment from everyone, but we will meet our goals.”
While the women’s team is the engine of the project, Monaco United Football Club is not limited to it. A men’s section is also being developed—an emerging project, modest at first but full of hope and determination. The men’s team will grow in harmony with the club’s identity, aiming in the long run to reach the professional elite.
In its first season, the club plans to welcome 30 to 50 players per team (women, men, and youth). Talent recruitment will focus on France, Italy, Spain, Latin America, and Africa, through a broad scouting network.
A Multi-Year Investment Strategy Focused On:
• Developing elite pathways for young girls and boys
• Expanding the international academy network
• Improving training and competition infrastructure
• Investing in media, fan engagement, and commercial partnerships
A comprehensive approach to mastering all aspects necessary for a top-tier club.
A Complete Structure for the Future: MONACO UNITED ACADEMY
A key pillar of the project is the Monaco United Academy, a high-level training center open to boys and girls aged 14 to 23, aimed at training the stars of tomorrow. With professional supervision, regular training, and a tailored academic curriculum, the academy allows young athletes to balance their passion for football with academic success.
To embody this ambition, the academy enjoys the support of Adil Rami, 2018 FIFA World Cup Champion with the French national team, who officially becomes its ambassador. His presence is an inspiring model for future generations.
Rami will also play for the Monaco United men’s team in select matches to support its development.
Training and official matches of the club (the French championship starts in September for the women’s team) will be held at the Stade Didier Deschamps in Cap d’Ail, a true symbol of local sport, right across from Stade Louis II. This location reflects the club’s territorial roots while affirming its independent identity.
A Project of Excellence Serving an Ambitious Cause
With Monaco United Football Club, a new sports philosophy is born: inclusive, ambitious, and modern.
The objective is clear: to make the Principality shine on the pitches of France and Europe by giving its women’s team the means to match its ambitions. And beyond sporting results, the aim is to inspire a new generation of passionate talents and ambassadors for football “MADE IN MONACO.”
