What does AS Monaco’s Gambardella Cup Win Say about the Strength of their Young Talent

The Coupe Gambardella – it’s the prestigious French football cup competition held between the under-18s of the French football clubs. AS Monaco are always thirsty to win it. 

The Red and Whites pride themselves on their development program and participating in and winning the Gambardella Cup is proof of their success because it is regarded as a huge opportunity for young hopefuls to showcase their skills in national competition. 

A victory in the finals of the cup is as highly sought by players trying to start their career, as by clubs wishing to demonstrate their ability to train young talent. 

In becoming the current champion AS Monaco defeated Clermont Foot 63 in this year’s 2023 final by a score of 4-2.

AS Monaco had, en route to success, played all their matches away from home (at Vénissieux, Aubagne, Nancy, Rouen, Nantes and Pau). 

The protégés of the duo Frédéric Barilaro – Manu Dos Santos managed to overcome all the obstacles on their way to reach the Stade de France.

Symbol of the Academy’s reservoir, there is a player from each age category at the start of the season among the scorers in the final (Tincres-Cabral for the U17s, Bouabré for the U19s and Benama for the Elite Group).

And it is partly thanks to this clever mix of talented young players from the three categories of the Diagonal that AS Monaco won the fifth Gambardella Cup in its history. The best possible reward for the work done by all the actors of the Academy, players as staff and supervisors. Kudos to them! 

How the youths did this season

Under 17s

The proteges of Manu Dos Santos came very close to qualifying for the age category play-offs, also finishing in second place in the standings with a record of 18 wins, three draws and five defeats. Several players have risen to power over the season, such as Nacim Dendani, top scorer with 22 goals.

U19: Towards the professional world 

For their part, the Under 19’s finish the national championship in fifth place. And once again, it is the strength of the Red and White offensive line that stands out with 56 goals scored, the best attack among the 13 other teams. 

Elite Group: A baptism of fire 

With the desire to get as close as possible to the rhythm of the professionals and to confront other footballing cultures, the team led by Damien Perrinelle ended its first season with a very positive record (18 wins, 3 draws and 13 defeats). The Elite Group thus had the opportunity to face teams from all over the continent, from Switzerland, to Portugal, to England via the Netherlands, Norway and Germany.

What a season for development of talent and winning the Gambardella Cup is proof of the pudding!