AS Monaco FC, also known as Association Sportive de Monaco Football Club, is a professional football club based in the Principality of Monaco. Founded on August 23, 1924 by a group of Monegasque citizens eager to promote sports in their country, the club was born to provide an identity for people who were passionate about football in this small city-state.

In its early years, AS Monaco experienced modest success. As an amateur team playing against regional sides from southeastern France, the team quickly earned recognition for its potential. In 1933, under the presidency of Riviera businessman Charles Forni and with Albert Ier as honorary president, Monaco joined the French league system's Division d'Honneur Sud-Est (Southeast Honorary Division), marking its first step towards becoming a professional club.

Initially struggling to establish themselves at national level due to the limited resources available in such a small territory - both financially and in terms of player recruitment -, AS Monaco saw some improvements when they turned professional in 1948 during Louis II reign. Despite these limitations, several players emerged from this period that would go on to have significant careers elsewhere; one example is Lucien Cossou who played for Stade Reims after leaving Monaco.

With consistent improvement and growth over time came notable successes: AS Monaco achieved promotion into French Division 2 (now Ligue 2) for the first time at the end of season 1950-51 season under manager Henri Biancheri. Their development continued through achieving promotion into Ligue1 just two years later under coach Jean Batmale.

Throughout its history since then there have been various "golden eras" and iconic moments for AS Monaco.

• 1960s: Led by Frenchman Lucien Leduc, the team won their first-ever league title in 1961. In the following years, iconic players such as Jean Petit, Michel Hidalgo and Henri Biancheri joined the club to build a formidable side that would go on to win another Ligue 1 title in 1963.
• Early 1980s: Under Arsène Wenger's management from 1987 to 1994, AS Monaco enjoyed one of its most successful periods. With talents like Glenn Hoddle and George Weah wearing the red and white jersey, ASM won Ligue 1 again in 1988, reached European Cup Winners' Cup final in 1992 (losing narrowly against Werder Bremen) and Champions League semi-final in 1994.

The turn of the century also witnessed some fantastic achievements:

• The unforgettable run to UEFA Champions League Final during season 2003-04 under manager Didier Deschamps which saw them eliminate clubs like Real Madrid before ultimately losing out to FC Porto.

AS Monaco's main rival is OGC Nice; matches between these two teams are known as Derby de la Côte d'Azur. The rivalry stems from geographical proximity of the two cities and their respective football clubs that are both situated in southeastern France, separated by a mere 20 kilometers.

The derby matches are always fiercely contested affairs, with fans on both sides passionately supporting their teams. Some memorable encounters include:

• In February 2014, Monaco defeated Nice 1-0 at home in Ligue 1. • More recently in September 2020, AS Monaco came back from behind to win an intense match 2-1 away against OGC Nice.

AS Monaco plays its home games at Stade Louis II – an impressive stadium that has been the club's permanent residence since it was constructed in 1985. With a capacity of approximately 18,500 spectators (in which seating is divided into "Honneur", "Tribune" and "Première Catégorie"), this modern arena boasts state-of-the-art facilities for players as well as fans.

Stade Louis II is known for its iconic architecture featuring arches that support the roof structure above fan seating areas – providing shelter while allowing natural light to flood onto playing surface below. Located near Fontvieille district within borders of Principality itself, this venue holds significant importance not only due to its association with Monegasque sporting success but also because it serves as center stage where national team represents principality internationally during various competitions such as UEFA Champions League or FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

Home advantage has undoubtedly played a key role throughout AS Monaco's history. Some of the most memorable moments at Stade Louis II include:

• The dramatic 8-3 victory against Deportivo La Coruña in 2003 UEFA Champions League group stage. • In April 2017, a thrilling encounter with Borussia Dortmund saw Monaco win 3-1 (6-3 on aggregate), advancing to UEFA Champions League semi-final.

AS Monaco enjoys a loyal and passionate fan base that remains one of its greatest strengths. While majority of supporters hail from Principality itself or adjacent French region, team's successes over years have helped spread their appeal across international borders as well.

Some notable groups within club's supporter network include "Ultras" who are known for their fervent displays during matches – often orchestrating elaborate choreographies and visual presentations involving flags, banners or tifos designed to inspire players on field while intimidating opposition simultaneously. These fans play an essential role in creating electric atmosphere inside Stade Louis II; they also contribute significantly to vibrant matchday experience by leading chants or organizing social events outside stadium before kickoff.

There are several traditions associated with AS Monaco that foster sense of identity among fans: these range from wearing distinctive red-and-white striped jerseys during games (colors symbolizing loyalty towards Prince Albert II), singing club anthem "Daghe Munegù!" before kickoff (lyrics emphasizing unity between supporters, players and managerial staff alike), engaging in various charitable activities around city-state (such as visiting hospitals or supporting local initiatives).

1. Clinching first-ever Ligue 1 title in 1961 under coach Lucien Leduc.
2. Winning Ligue 1 title again in 1963 with an exceptional team, including Michel Hidalgo and Jean Petit.
3. Securing the double (Ligue 1 and Coupe de France) during season 1987-88 under Arsène Wenger's management.
4. Reaching European Cup Winners' Cup final in 1992 against Werder Bremen.
5. UEFA Champions League semi-final appearance in 1994 with a squad including Japhet N'Doram and Youri Djorkaeff.
6. The historic run to UEFA Champions League Final in season 2003-04 under manager Didier Deschamps, defeating Real Madrid along the way.
7. Scoring eight goals against Deportivo La Coruña at Stade Louis II in group stage of UEFA Champions League 2003.
8. Winning French Ligue title for the eighth time - after a 17-year gap – by finishing on top of Ligue 1 table during season 2016-17 under coach Leonardo Jardim; Kylian Mbappé announced himself as one of football’s brightest prospects during this campaign as well.
9. Dramatic victory over Borussia Dortmund at Stade Louis II in April 2017, leading them to reach UEFA Champions League Semi-finals 10.Celebrating club's centennial year (1924–2024), marking its incredible journey from humble amateur side to established powerhouse within both French and European football.