MONACO (World Soccer) - A sprinkling of stardust

High-profile signing... Paul Pogba

1 Oct 2025

World Soccer

At the Monegasque controls for the past two seasons, Austrian head coach Adi Hütter has more than lived up to expectations of the club’s board by twice qualifying his side for the Champions League, first via the runners-up spot in Ligue 1 in 2023-24 and then by securing a third-place finish last term.

Hutter’s side only narrowly missed out on a place in last season’s Champions League last 16, losing 4-3 on aggregate in the knockout round play-offs to Benfica, and there were times in that European adventure when Monaco truly turned on the style, particularly in home wins over Red Star Belgrade (5-1) and a 2-1 toppling of the mighty Barcelona.

If there’s an air of optimism blowing in the principality at the moment, it is essentially down to the huge amount of experience they have managed to recruit this summer, players of the knowhow of midfield ace Paul Pogba, ex-Bayer Leverkusen keeper Lukas Hradecky and former Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich central defender Eric Dier. A key figure in France’s World Cup triumph in 2018, the 32-year-old Pogba has been in the footballing wilderness for the past couple of years, but could be set for a return to action in October.

How important was the decision not to sell captain and defensive midfielder Denis Zakaria?

The news that the dynamic Switzerland international was staying would have put a huge smile on the faces of all Monaco fans. He is the beating heart of the team and so devoted to the cause that he apparently rejected overtures from

COACH Adi Hutter

The former Salzburg, Young Boys, Eintracht and 'Gladbach boss is thriving in his first role outside the German speaking world.

KEY MAN Paul Pogba

Will make his debut after the Champions League kicks off, but his experience will be a huge plus.

YOUNGSTER George Ilenikhena

Highly promising 19-year-old Nigerian forward who scored the winner against Barcelona in last season’s competition. several other clubs. According to reports, a deal was close to being struck with Saudi side Al Ahli.

Which player in the Monaco ranks has the most to gain from this season’s Champions League?

Positive performances in Europe will definitely boost the market profile of young Denmark striker Mika Biereth, 22, who has been piling up the goals ever since arriving from Sturm Graz midway through last season. Maghnes Akliouche, the recently capped 23-year old France winger, could also prosper from some standout European displays.

Why is the signing of goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky from Bayer Leverkusen so significant?

With neither Philipp Köhn nor Radoslaw Majecki convincing as the last-line-ofdefence last season, a major upgrade was required and the former Leverkusen captain and current Finland custodian more than fits the bill. A cornerstone of the Leverkusen side that claimed the double in Germany in 2023-24.