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Neil Banerjee

Ex-Barcelona wonderkid Ansu Fati makes Ligue 1 history with brace for Monaco

Once hailed as Lionel Messi's heir, Ansu Fati's promising career was derailed by injury setbacks and uncertain loan spells, but the Spanish prodigy has finally found his fire again at Monaco. His electrifying resurgence is cemented by breaking a decades-old Ligue 1 scoring record, as he became the fastest player to reach five goals.

  • Fati shines in Monaco’s thrilling draw against Nice

    Monaco’s 2-2 draw against Nice turned into the Fati show. Trailing 2-0 after Sofiane Diop’s quick-fire goals, Monaco clawed their way through the 21-year-old forward’s composed brace from the penalty spot. Calm under pressure, Fati converted both chances to rescue a point for his side and earn the Player of the Match honour. With six goals in his first five appearances across competitions, Fati has quickly become an influential player for Monaco.

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    Record-breaking debut in Ligue 1

    Fati’s rocking start has entered Ligue 1 history books. The Spaniard became the fastest player to reach five goals on debut in the league, achieving the milestone in just 126 minutes of play, breaking a record that had stood since 1948. He surpassed the marks of Johan Audel, who previously broke the record in 137 minutes while playing Valenciennes in 2007–08 season and Emmanuel Riviere, who shattered the record in 174 minutes also for Monaco in the 2013–14 season. Currently he is also the joint-top scorer in the league alongside Joaquin Panichelli of Strasbourg.

  • From Barcelona prodigy to finding his stride at Monaco

    The ex-Barcelona star burst onto the scene as a teenager before suffering a devastating meniscus injury in 2019 that sidelined him for months and began a painful cycle of relapses. Over the next few years, hamstring and knee issues stunted his progress, limiting his minutes and confidence.

    Loaned to Brighton in 2023–24, he managed four goals in 27 appearances but never truly settled. Now, at Monaco, he finally looks liberated, fitter, freer, and more dangerous in front of goal. In 123 appearances for Barcelona, he scored 29 goals and registered nine assists, but his Monaco loan spell has already produced six goals and two assists, signalling a resurgence long awaited by fans. The club’s option to buy him outright could soon become a formality.

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    Are Monaco planning a change in management?

    Monaco’s board are reportedly considering a managerial change, with Adi Hutter under pressure following a string of winless games. The potential arrival of a new coach and the anticipated return of Paul Pogba after his doping suspension could create the perfect environment for Fati to flourish further. Monaco will next face Angers in the league on October 18.