The Munegu Cup 2025: A Celebration of Youth Football in Monaco
Nearly 400 schoolchildren participate in the third edition of the Munegu Cup, fostering educational values and community spirit.
On May 13, 2025, nearly 400 schoolchildren from Monaco experienced an unforgettable day at the Louis-II Stadium during the third edition of the Munegu Cup.
This football tournament, initiated by Dmitri Rybolovlev, the President of AS Monaco, is organized in collaboration with the National Education Department of the Principality.
A sunny day welcomed 389 students, aged 8 to 9, from seven schools in Monaco, including École des Révoires, École de Fontvieille, École de la Condamine, École Saint-Charles, Institution François d’Assise-Nicolas Barré (FANB), Cours Saint-Maur, and the International School of Monaco (ISM).
The children formed 40 teams and eagerly took to the pitch usually graced by AS Monaco's professional players.
Students expressed a mix of excitement and nervousness.
Alberto, Tom, and Anthon from École des Révoires shared their feelings: “It’s stressful but we are happy.
We play against other teams and classes.
We try to win, we try to have fun.” Meanwhile, Amélie, Chloé, Annabelle, Félicia, Stella, and Constance from FANB remarked on the unique experience, stating, “It feels a bit strange because we've never played in a stadium like this.
There is stress, and then when we play, it’s hard.”
The Munegu Cup extends beyond mere competition; it emphasizes educational values.
According to Lionel Weber, a teacher at ISM, the tournament preparation was aided by AS Monaco providing videos of professional players, enhancing student engagement.
Christine Sabbatini, a physical education teacher at École de Fontvieille, structured her students’ preparation around the skills required for football and handball.
This event has become a staple in the school calendar, as noted by Rémy Garoscio, Deputy Director of National Education, Youth, and Sports.
He highlighted that the Munegu Cup fosters essential values such as solidarity, perseverance, and humility, irrespective of the competition outcomes.
Garoscio thanked AS Monaco and its President for the initiative, emphasizing the unique experience it provides to students within a prestigious and inspiring setting.
The event included various engaging activities, such as the presence of Bouba, the club's mascot, commentary from AS Monaco's speaker Laurent Nieloux, and a recap of the 2024/2025 season screened on large screens during lunch.
All participants received prizes, which included a complete AS Monaco kit, a special holiday notebook, and a souvenir medal.
Dmitri Rybolovlev conveyed the club's commitment to instilling healthy values of sportsmanship, dedication, and solidarity through the tournament.
He acknowledged the importance of the club’s connection with supporters in the Principality and expressed hope that the children would nurture their passion for sports.
Denis Zakaria, the captain of AS Monaco, reflected on his experiences of playing in a professional stadium, noting its significance for young participants.
Thiago Scuro, the club's General Director, reiterated the initiative's objective to connect with local youth and the rewarding nature of their enthusiasm.
After a thrilling series of matches, the team from Saint-Charles 4 clinched the trophy, defeating Révoires 5 with a score of 3-1 in an electrifying final attended by Rybolovlev, Yvette Lambin-Berti, Stéphane Morandi, and Garoscio.
The victorious team was presented with their trophy by Rybolovlev and Zakaria, marking a proud moment for Saint-Charles, which succeeded FANB as the champion of the previous edition.
This year's Munegu Cup left an indelible impression on the young attendees, highlighting its significance in Monaco's educational and sporting landscape and the ongoing commitment of AS Monaco to its youth.
This football tournament, initiated by Dmitri Rybolovlev, the President of AS Monaco, is organized in collaboration with the National Education Department of the Principality.
A sunny day welcomed 389 students, aged 8 to 9, from seven schools in Monaco, including École des Révoires, École de Fontvieille, École de la Condamine, École Saint-Charles, Institution François d’Assise-Nicolas Barré (FANB), Cours Saint-Maur, and the International School of Monaco (ISM).
The children formed 40 teams and eagerly took to the pitch usually graced by AS Monaco's professional players.
Students expressed a mix of excitement and nervousness.
Alberto, Tom, and Anthon from École des Révoires shared their feelings: “It’s stressful but we are happy.
We play against other teams and classes.
We try to win, we try to have fun.” Meanwhile, Amélie, Chloé, Annabelle, Félicia, Stella, and Constance from FANB remarked on the unique experience, stating, “It feels a bit strange because we've never played in a stadium like this.
There is stress, and then when we play, it’s hard.”
The Munegu Cup extends beyond mere competition; it emphasizes educational values.
According to Lionel Weber, a teacher at ISM, the tournament preparation was aided by AS Monaco providing videos of professional players, enhancing student engagement.
Christine Sabbatini, a physical education teacher at École de Fontvieille, structured her students’ preparation around the skills required for football and handball.
This event has become a staple in the school calendar, as noted by Rémy Garoscio, Deputy Director of National Education, Youth, and Sports.
He highlighted that the Munegu Cup fosters essential values such as solidarity, perseverance, and humility, irrespective of the competition outcomes.
Garoscio thanked AS Monaco and its President for the initiative, emphasizing the unique experience it provides to students within a prestigious and inspiring setting.
The event included various engaging activities, such as the presence of Bouba, the club's mascot, commentary from AS Monaco's speaker Laurent Nieloux, and a recap of the 2024/2025 season screened on large screens during lunch.
All participants received prizes, which included a complete AS Monaco kit, a special holiday notebook, and a souvenir medal.
Dmitri Rybolovlev conveyed the club's commitment to instilling healthy values of sportsmanship, dedication, and solidarity through the tournament.
He acknowledged the importance of the club’s connection with supporters in the Principality and expressed hope that the children would nurture their passion for sports.
Denis Zakaria, the captain of AS Monaco, reflected on his experiences of playing in a professional stadium, noting its significance for young participants.
Thiago Scuro, the club's General Director, reiterated the initiative's objective to connect with local youth and the rewarding nature of their enthusiasm.
After a thrilling series of matches, the team from Saint-Charles 4 clinched the trophy, defeating Révoires 5 with a score of 3-1 in an electrifying final attended by Rybolovlev, Yvette Lambin-Berti, Stéphane Morandi, and Garoscio.
The victorious team was presented with their trophy by Rybolovlev and Zakaria, marking a proud moment for Saint-Charles, which succeeded FANB as the champion of the previous edition.
This year's Munegu Cup left an indelible impression on the young attendees, highlighting its significance in Monaco's educational and sporting landscape and the ongoing commitment of AS Monaco to its youth.
