A new attacking talent joins AS Monaco! Having just arrived from FC Nantes and put pen to paper on a five-year deal with the Principality club, Matthis Abline brings the attributes of a modern forward, capable of operating both through the middle and out wide. Before he makes his first appearance in his new colours, here are nine things to know about the France U21 international, who scored 23 goals for Les Canaris. 🔍

The ninth arrival from Nantes 🐥

To begin with, Matthis Abline becomes the ninth player to move to the Principality from Nantes, following Joseph Cauwelier, Francis Magny, Victor Trossero, Eric Pécout, French champion with AS Monaco in 1982, Claude Lowitz, Christophe Robert, Japhet N’Doram and Christophe Pignol, who won the title with the Club in 2000. More broadly, he will become the 33rd player to have worn the colours of both clubs, joining names such as Fabien Barthez, Jérémy Toulalan and Gabriel Boschilia.

First professional goal in Europe 🇪🇺

Although he has been at FC Nantes since the 2023-24 season, the right-footed forward was developed around 100 kilometres further north at Stade Rennais. After joining Les Rouge et Noir at the age of 15, he progressed through every stage of the academy at La Piverdière before making his professional debut in a victory over Dijon in April 2021. A few months later, he scored his first senior goal against Norwegian side Rosenborg in the second leg of a UEFA Europa Conference League play-off.

Loan spells to gain experience 👦

Competition for places in attack was fierce, and the Landemont native, from the Maine-et-Loire department, was therefore sent out on loan three times to continue his development. First to Le Havre in Ligue 2 in 2022, then to AJ Auxerre in Ligue 1 in 2023, and finally to FC Nantes in 2023-24, before the move was made permanent. Those three spells proved highly beneficial, as Matthis registered 20 goal involvements in 62 appearances, scoring 14 goals and providing six assists.

He has already scored at the Stade Louis-II 🏟️

While La Beaujoire became something of a happy hunting ground over the last three seasons, the versatile attacker, who is comfortable both as a number nine and on the wing, will now look to make the Stade Louis-II just as familiar. And that bodes well, as he already knows what it feels like to score at the Fontvieille venue. He first found the net there for AJ Auxerre in a 3-2 defeat in February 2023, before doing so again for Les Canaris in a 7-1 loss in February 2025. AS Monaco have in fact been an opponent he has enjoyed facing, having also scored in a 2-2 draw away to Nantes in January 2025.

A scorer of spectacular goals ☄️

A forward renowned for his pace and technical ability, as demonstrated by his dazzling display against Olympique de Marseille last April, Matthis is also a player who thrives on instinct, as several of his goals have shown. While at Le Havre, he produced a remarkable lob from almost 35 metres that earned him a place among the nominees for Ligue 2 Goal of the Season. Then, wearing the Nantes shirt last season, he scored two volleys into the top corner against Paris FC. Three superb finishes that highlight his natural eye for goal.

He already knows two members of the squad 🫂

Now an AS Monaco player, the Angers-born forward will not be a complete stranger in the Principality club's dressing room, having already shared the pitch with two current teammates. He played alongside Yann Lienard for France U19 and U20, making eight appearances together, and also featured with Christian Mawissa for the France U21 team, reaching the semi-finals of the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

A regular on the France youth international scene 🇫🇷

Speaking of the national team, the 23-year-old forward is a familiar face across France’s youth setups, having represented his country at U16, U17, U19, U20 and U21 level. With a total of 45 caps to his name, he has consistently demonstrated his goalscoring instincts, finding the net 22 times, including at the prestigious Maurice Revello Tournament in 2024 and at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship the following year.

A scientific mind 👨‍🔬

Before fully dedicating himself to a professional football career, Matthis also excelled in his studies, earning his French Baccalauréat with a focus on mathematics and life sciences, graduating with honours. "Let's just say I did pretty well. I liked scientific subjects. It was challenging, but I enjoyed pushing myself and thinking. At school, I was a good student," he recalled in an interview with Onze Mondial in 2022.

Skilled with a controller too 🎮

Finally, as well as being comfortable with a ball at his feet, he also has a strong reputation when it comes to gaming. His former Nantes teammate Johann Lepenant certainly would not disagree, having been beaten 4-1 on FC 26. That should make for some entertaining contests in the Monaco dressing room. And if you're looking to add his FUT card to your team, he currently boasts a rating of 76 with an impressive potential of 82. Don't miss out!

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