In the shimmering heat of Abu Dhabi, under the bright lights of the Etihad Arena, AS Monaco carved out their name in European basketball history—not with a trophy, but with heart, hustle, and a heroic journey that took them all the way to their first-ever EuroLeague Final.
On Friday, May 23, the Roca Team stunned continental giants Olympiacos in a 78–68 semifinal victory that was as gritty as it was glorious. The Monegasques, led by the steely brilliance of Mike James and the versatile dominance of Alpha Diallo, were everywhere—diving for loose balls, locking down on defense, and outmuscling a Greek squad that blinked just long enough for Monaco to sprint ahead.
“We came to win, and we played like it,” said head coach Sasa Obradovic after the game. “That was 40 minutes of fight, togetherness, and belief.”
It was a defining moment, not just for the club, but for French basketball. AS Monaco had become only the second French team in modern EuroLeague history to reach the championship game.
But standing between them and immortality on Sunday, May 25, was Fenerbahçe, the Turkish powerhouse hungry for its second title. Monaco had beaten them twice in the regular season—a 99–69 blowout in Istanbul and a commanding 91–82 win at home. Yet in the high-stakes theatre of a final, past victories are mere shadows.
Monaco started strong, leading for much of the first half. However, Fenerbahçe closed the half with a 12–1 run, taking a 35–33 lead into halftime. The third quarter remained tightly contested, but Fenerbahçe dominated the final period, outscoring Monaco 27–19, to clinch the victory.
So despite a valiant start and moments of brilliance, the final slipped away from the red-and-white warriors. Fenerbahçe pulled away late to secure an 81–70 win and lift the trophy. Monaco left the court as runners-up—but with heads high and hearts full.
A Final Worthy of Champions
This was not a defeat. This was an arrival.
AS Monaco has gone from EuroCup winners in 2021 to EuroLeague silver medallists in 2025—a climb as fast as it was fearless. Along the way, they’ve built a roster respected across Europe, forged a team identity of grit and flair, and given their fans a taste of the top.
“We’re proud, not satisfied,” said captain Mike James after the final. “This isn’t the end. It’s just the beginning.”
Looking Ahead
Second place may not be the fairytale ending the Principality dreamed of, but it’s a page in the story no one can ignore. Monaco is no longer a dark horse. They are a force. With the lessons of this season and the pain of a final just missed, the Roca Team will be back—with sharper claws and bigger dreams.
And next time, they won’t just play for history. They’ll play to rewrite it.
