The 2010s began in the best way for the Monaco training centre with a third title in the Coupe Gambardella in 2011 against Saint-Etienne (1-1, 4-3 on penalties), following those of 1962 and 1972. Within this team, Layvin Kurzawa and Yannick Carrasco would experience the joys of the professional world, and would notably participate in the Club's return to Ligue 1 in 2013, alongside others like Valère Germain.

I first experienced training here at the Academy, where I madde some exceptional memories. We worked hard, both at school and on the pitch. I still have friends with whom I trained, not only as a footballer, but also as a person!

Valère Germain

2013, a special year 🔝

It must be said that the arrival of President Dmitry Rybolovlev at the helm of the Club in December 2011 allowed this tradition to be maintained, this high standard to be cultivated, and great talent to be continuously developed, as he has been particularly committed to the success of the youth academy. And so it was that in 2013, a certain Kylian Mbappé joined the Academy, while the U19 team won the French title in their age group against FC Nantes (2-2, 9-8 on penalties).

A fourth Gambardella win 🏆

This new trophy came after a fourth Gambardella victory in 2016 against Lens under Frédéric Barilaro (3-0), with the young prodigy scoring twice in the final. He then went on to become a key player in AS Monaco's eighth French title the following season and their run to the Champions League semi-finals, alongside six other Academy talents, including Valère Germain, who has experienced everything since joining the youth academy at the age of 15 in 2005.

Mbappé follows in the footsteps of Bellone, Trezeguet, and Petit 🌍

Mbappé would go on to continue a fabulous tradition in July 2018, playing for the French national team by scoring in the World Cup final. The striker became the fourth player developed at the club to find the net at this stage of a major tournament for Les Bleus, after Bruno Bellone at Euro 1984, Emmanuel Petit at the 1998 World Cup, and David Trezeguet at Euro 2000! He also became the fifth World Cup winner to come from the Monaco Academy, after the latter two, as well as Thierry Henry and Lilian Thuram -- a record for a French club!

See also