Did You Know? 10 Fascinating Facts About the Founding of AS Monaco

 

1. Founded by a Prince and a Diplomat

AS Monaco was officially founded on August 23, 1924, but its origins trace back to

 key figures in Monegasque society. The club was established under the patronage

 of Prince Louis II of Monaco, who was an avid sports enthusiast. However, the

 driving force behind its creation was Monsieur Dubreuil, a French diplomat who

 wanted to promote football in the principality.

Interestingly, the club was initially named "Monaco Football Club" before adopting

 "Association Sportive de Monaco" (AS Monaco) in 1929.

2. The Club Was Almost Named After a Beer

Before settling on AS Monaco, there was a proposal to name the club "Sporting

 Club de Monaco"—a nod to the famous Sporting Lisbon. However, another amusing

 suggestion was "Brasserie de Monaco Football Club", referencing a local brewery

 that sponsored early matches. Thankfully, the more dignified "AS Monaco" won out.

3. The First Match Was Played Against a French Military Team

AS Monaco’s very first recorded match took place in 1924 against US Cazères, a

 team composed of French soldiers stationed in the region. Monaco lost 2-1, but the

 match marked the beginning of a football legacy.

4. The Original Colors Were Different

Today, AS Monaco is synonymous with its iconic red and white stripes. However, the

 club originally played in white and black—a tribute to the colors of the House of

 Grimaldi (Monaco’s royal family). The switch to red and white came in the 1950s,

 inspired by the success of English clubs like Arsenal and Southampton.

5. Monaco’s First Stadium Was a Makeshift Pitch

Before the construction of the legendary Stade Louis II in 1985, AS Monaco played

 at Stade des Moneghetti, a modest ground with a capacity of just 5,000. The pitch

 was often uneven, and matches sometimes had to be postponed due to poor

 conditions.

6. The Club Was Re-Established After World War II

Due to the turmoil of World War II, AS Monaco was dissolved in 1943 and did not

 resume operations until 1948. The club was effectively rebuilt from scratch, with

 new management and players. This rebirth laid the foundation for Monaco’s rise in

 French football.

7. The First Major Trophy Came in 1960

Monaco’s first major honor was the Coupe de France in 1960, when they defeated

 Saint-Étienne 4-2 in the final. This victory put the club on the map and marked the

 beginning of its golden era under manager Lucien Leduc.

8. Monaco Was Almost Merged with Another Club

In the late 1920s, financial difficulties nearly led to AS Monaco merging with US

 Menton, a neighboring French club. The deal fell through, allowing Monaco to

 remain independent and eventually grow into a powerhouse.

9. The Club’s First Foreign Star Was Austrian

In the 1930s, Monaco signed Rudi Hiden, an Austrian goalkeeper who had played

 for the famous "Wunderteam" of the 1930s. He was one of the first high-profile

 foreign players in French football and helped raise Monaco’s profile.

10. Monaco Wasn’t Always in Ligue 1

Despite its current reputation, Monaco spent much of its early years in lower

 divisions. The club didn’t earn promotion to France’s top flight until 1953, nearly 30

 years after its founding. Since then, it has become one of the most successful

 clubs in French history.

The founding of AS Monaco is filled with intriguing twists—from royal involvement

 to near-mergers and wartime struggles. These 10 facts reveal how a small club

 from a tiny principality grew into a footballing giant. Today, AS Monaco remains a

 symbol of prestige, talent, and ambition, with a history as fascinating as its future

 is bright.