The Academy Triumphs in 2023. And the 2024 Dream is on for ASM Return to Champions League
What to remember from AS Monaco’s 2023 year? How about yet another title in the Gambardella Cup. It’s the reward for all the work done at the Academy. AS Monaco’s young talents clinched a fifth title.
The Gambardella Cup was altogether an unforgettable journey.
A fifth triumph! And after a journey solely played away!(Vénissieux, Aubagne, Nancy, Rouen, Nantes, and Pau).
Frédéric Barilaro’s proteges – accompanied by Manu Dos Santos – overcame all obstacles to reach the Stade de France. A symbol of the Academy’s talent pool, a player from each age category at the start of the season stood out in the final by scoring a goal (Tincres-Cabral for U17s, Bouabré for U19s, and Benama for the Elite Group).
AS Monaco was able to rely on players who were amazing and showed a lot of character. Having to play all the matches away, it wasn’t always easy. But even in difficult moments, the players always knew how to respond.
Partly thanks to this skillful blend of young talents from the three categories represented at La Diagonale, AS Monaco won the prestigious Gambardella Cup for the fifth time in its history. The most beautiful reward possible for the work accomplished by all the Academy stakeholders, players as well as staff and coaches. Special mention for the Monaco U17s, who also finished 2nd in the championship, on the verge of playoffs.
Looking Back at 2023
From the victory of the young talents of La Diagonale in the Gambardella Cup at the Stade de France to the 3rd place on the podium in Ligue 1 at the end of the year, including the exploits of our Red and Whites in selection it was a year full of emotions.
And there was a fruitful summer transfer window, attractive offensive football, strong attendances, and plenty of selections, the news has been rich for the Red and Whites. Let’s review the past year before heading into 2024.
There was plenty of entertainment at Stade Louis-II.
Since January 1st and the victory against Brest – obtained in a stadium 100% free for the general public – thanks to a gem by Aleksandr Golovin, the Fontvieille stadium has witnessed some notable successes. Starting with the famous 7-1 against AC Ajaccio a few days later, which approached records. Or the victory against Paris Saint-Germain in March (3-1), still in the Principality.
AS Monaco is establishing a style of play, and it’s a process that takes time. Even with the inevitable ups and downs AS Monaco is attacking the top of the table with its 33 points.
About the first leg of 2023-2024
The 2023-2024 season has also been rich in spectacular encounters, as Adi Hütter’s men scored three goals against Strasbourg (3-0) for the first time at Stade Louis-II. Before dominating the PSG runner-up from the previous season, RC Lens, with the same scoreline (3-0). Then against Olympique de Marseille in a top clash (3-2), also at home. Overall, AS Monaco scored 35 goals in Ligue 1 on their turf in 2023, including 15 since this summer.
Great Recruitments
The summer of 2023 was marked by the recruitment of high-quality elements in Adi Hütter’s squad, who himself arrived at the helm of AS Monaco after Thiago Scuro took over the sports direction (now occupying the position of General Director). Regarding players, Philipp Köhn was the first to settle in the Principality (July 15) to guard the Monaco goal, closely followed by Ghanaian center-back Mohammed Salisu (August 1).
In turn, Swiss international Denis Zakaria (August 14) and Ivorian Wilfried Singo (August 17) made their way to the shores of the Mediterranean to don the red and white jersey. Then, in the final moments of the transfer window, Folarin Balogun came to bolster the club’s offensive arsenal and add a slight American touch!
It’s great for the fans, Red and White’s aggressive football, football firmly focused on offense. This style of play creates many situations with very good players ready to exploit them to score.
A busy offseason, therefore, allowing the eight-time French champions to currently hold a provisional 3rd place in the Ligue 1 standings… and to dream, why not, of a return to the Champions League for the centenary year! And let’s not forget the latest addition, the young Kassoum Ouattara.
Internationals Galore
The Monegasques have excelled in national teams this year! The international break in October even marked a new record, as the club sent no less than 22 players to defend 10 different nations on four continents. And among them, 17 are part of the pro group, and 12 were trained at La Diagonale, the Monaco training center, which remains among the best training grounds in France. To highlight, Folarin Balogun made a smashing debut with Team USA (8 caps, 3 goals), also winning the Nations League. Youssouf Fofana scored his first two goals with the Blues, and what a way! Finally, Denis Zak.
Go AS Monaco!
