AS Monaco has announced the death of former striker Serge Roy, a key figure in the club’s first golden era and a central contributor to its earliest major honours.
Roy wore the red and white between 1957 and 1962, a period that saw Monaco lift the Coupe de France in 1960 and claim their first-ever French league title the following year. The club paid tribute to the former forward who passed away at the age of 93, extending its condolences to his family and those close to him.
Born in Beaune, Roy began his professional career at Racing Club de Besançon, where he quickly established himself as a prolific goalscorer. Over five seasons in Franche-Comté, he scored 56 goals in 104 matches, form that earned him a move to Monaco as the Principality club began to emerge as a force in French football.
His impact was immediate. Roy announced himself in emphatic fashion by scoring a hat-trick on his league debut against Sochaux, repeating the feat later that season against Valenciennes. He ended his first campaign with 15 goals in 25 appearances, helping Monaco secure a third-place finish in Division 1.
Roy would go on to play a decisive role in the club’s breakthrough successes. In 1960, Monaco won the Coupe de France for the first time in their history, defeating AS Saint-Étienne 4–2 after extra time. Roy scored in several rounds en route to the final and struck twice in the showpiece itself.
The following season proved just as significant. Monaco captured the French championship for the first time, edging RC Paris on the final day of a closely fought campaign. Roy finished the season with 15 goals in 37 matches, forming part of an attack that included Lucien Cossou, Michel Hidalgo and Karimou Djibrill. That same year, Monaco also lifted the Coupe Drago.
His performances earned Roy a call-up to the French national team, making a single appearance in a friendly against Spain. Although France were beaten 2–0, the occasion marked the beginning of a personal friendship with Alfredo Di Stéfano.
After leaving Monaco in 1962, Roy played for Marseille, Valenciennes and Nice before bringing his career to a close. His farewell match on the French Riviera reflected the respect he commanded across the game, with Di Stéfano attending alongside Ferenc Puskás, Francisco Gento and Johan Cruyff.
AS Monaco said it extends its deepest sympathies to Roy’s son, Eric, and to his family and loved ones, remembering him as one of the players who helped shape the club’s early identity and success.
