Monaco Secures Future of Academy Stars with Long-Term Contracts

Monaco have moved decisively to lock in the future of four of their most exciting academy prospects, handing first professional contracts to a quartet that has been turning heads across France and beyond.

The club announced on Tuesday that Moroccans Safouane Benzahra and Nahil El Haddani, Tunisian-French midfielder Nejd Ajroud and Melvin Gomes Da Veiga have all signed deals running until 30 June 2029.

All four were born in 2008. All four have just been fast-tracked.

A driving force at U19 level

The group formed the core of Monaco’s under-19 side that surged to the semi-finals of the French league last season, a run that pushed their names onto scouting lists across Europe. Their performances did not just impress internally; they drew concrete interest from rival clubs.

Monaco’s response was clear: secure the talent now, let the rest wait.

According to Foot Mercato, the club had already earmarked the youngsters for a step up after they joined Filipe Luís’s squad during pre-season preparations. The site noted that the four “were ready to step up to a higher level” following that spell with the senior set-up.

Benzahra already has a taste for the big stage. The Morocco youth international has made his competitive debut for the first team, featuring in a Ligue 1 clash against Paris Saint-Germain. For a player of the 2008 generation, that is a serious marker.

Pathway to the first team

Ajroud, El Haddani and Da Veiga have not yet crossed that line, but the pathway is now clearly drawn. With long-term contracts in place and the club publicly backing their rise, the trio continue their push toward senior football, buoyed by the knowledge that Monaco see them as part of the next wave.

Two Morocco youth internationals, one Tunisian-French midfielder, one more standout from the same crop — all tied down until 2029.

Monaco have sent a message: the next generation is already in the building.