In the radiant Principality of Monaco, where ambition meets elegance, a transformative force is emerging in the world of sport. Monaco United Football Club, a visionary endeavor spearheaded by former AS Monaco star Marco Simone, is set to redefine football in the region, with its women’s team as the cornerstone of its mission. This is not merely a football club—it is a bold commitment to excellence, a celebration of women’s football, and a challenge to the traditional hierarchies of the sport.
Simone, a luminary of Monaco’s footballing legacy, brings a storied career with AS Monaco, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain to this new chapter. His return to the Principality is both a homecoming and a pledge to repay a debt of gratitude. “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,” he said. That project is Monaco United, a club that elevates women’s football to its rightful place at the forefront, defying convention and aspiring to global prominence.
In a departure from the norm, where men’s teams often overshadow their counterparts, Monaco United’s women’s team is the heart of its identity. Poised to enter the French league this season, the team embodies a vision of competitiveness and international ambition. “We want to showcase the Principality and its sporting know-how by raising women’s football to the level it deserves,” Simone declared. The club is recruiting top talent from France, Italy, Spain, Latin America, and Africa, building a squad capable of challenging France’s elite and, in time, contending for a Champions League title.
This ambition is underpinned by a robust strategy. Morris Pagniello, founder of Racing City Group, the club’s primary partner, emphasized a collaborative ethos: “We’re here to contribute, not to compete. We want to build something new and someday reach the Champions League final.” Justin Davis, co-founder and CEO of Racing City Group, shares this vision, articulating a mission to create “one of the greatest, most prestigious clubs in the world—especially in women’s football.” A multi-year investment plan supports this goal, focusing on elite pathways for young players, an international academy network, enhanced training and competition facilities, and strengthened media and fan engagement.
While the women’s team drives the project, Monaco United’s scope extends further. A men’s team is in development, starting modestly but with aspirations of reaching the professional elite. Both teams, alongside youth squads, will comprise 30 to 50 players each, scouted globally through an extensive network. The club’s home, the Stade Didier Deschamps in Cap d’Ail, lies just across from the iconic Stade Louis II, anchoring Monaco United in the region’s sporting heritage while forging a distinct identity.
At the core of the club’s vision is the Monaco United Academy, a premier training center for boys and girls aged 14 to 23. Designed to nurture tomorrow’s stars, the academy integrates professional coaching, rigorous training, and a tailored academic curriculum to balance athletic and educational development. Its ambassador, Adil Rami, the 2018 FIFA World Cup champion, lends inspiration and credibility. Rami will also play in select matches for the men’s team, supporting its growth.
Monaco United is more than a club; it is a movement—an inclusive, ambitious philosophy that seeks to position the Principality as a beacon of sporting excellence, particularly for women’s football. As Simone reflected, “It all started from a vision, from my 40-year love of football.” That vision, grounded in human connection and sporting integrity, is coming to life. A press event in late August will unveil critical details, including the women’s team’s division, roster, staff, and ticketing information, heightening anticipation.
The Principality has long been synonymous with grandeur. Now, with Monaco United Football Club, it is poised to shine on the pitches of France and beyond, propelled by a women’s team that embodies the future of the sport.