Sport in Monaco

Sport has long held a central place in Monaco and is an integral part of the history, development, and identity of the Principality.

As early as the end of the 19th century, under the initiative of Prince Albert I, Monaco became a privileged venue for major European sporting events: the very first international tennis tournament held in the Principality in 1897, automobile races, and nautical competitions already laid the foundations of a lasting sporting tradition. Port Hercule hosted the first Monte-Carlo Automobile Rally as early as 1911, soon followed by the creation of iconic institutions such as the Monte-Carlo Country Club (1928) and the Yacht Club of Monaco (1953).

Under the reign of Prince Rainier III, sport in Monaco experienced a new phase of growth with the construction of major infrastructure such as the Louis II Stadium and the development of major international events. The Monte-Carlo Masters tennis tournament, the Formula 1 Grand Prix and e-Prix, and the Herculis Athletics Meeting, to name just a few, have contributed to enhancing the Principality’s international sporting reputation.

Sport embodies the values of cohesion, sharing, and solidarity that characterize the Principality.

Under the leadership of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, a member of the International Olympic Committee and the only Olympian Head of State—having competed five times in bobsleigh between 1988 and 2002—sport has become a tool of diplomacy and a vehicle for promoting universal values of peace and cooperation.

Through its contribution to education, health, and well-being, sport is fully integrated into Monaco’s public policies. The Principality thus stands out for its dynamic and inclusive sporting culture, expressed through its support for physical activity in general, youth sport, amateur sport, and elite sport. Monaco was also designated World Capital of Sport for 2025.

From an early age, physical and sports education plays a fundamental role in the academic paths of students in the Principality. All Monegasque schools integrate sport into their curricula, promoting the development of physical abilities, discipline, and team spirit. Students benefit from privileged access to high-quality facilities—sometimes shared with elite athletes—and to a wide range of disciplines, from team sports to aquatic, nautical, and artistic sports.

By placing children at the heart of its sports policy, the Principality promotes a practice based on respect, kindness, and the joy of play. It ensures that sport becomes a true space for learning, confidence-building, and personal development, where every young person can thrive in a safe and inclusive environment.

In line with this policy, Monaco views sport as a lifelong thread, evolving with age and individual needs, in order to promote health, social cohesion, and collective engagement in service of the community.

• National Federations: There are 59 national sports federations in Monaco, overseeing various disciplines and supporting the development of athletes across the country.
• Registered Athletes: In 2024, approximately 4,486 athletes were registered with these federations, highlighting strong national participation in sports activities.