AS Monaco has announced with deep sadness the passing of one of its most distinguished former players, Rolland Courbis, who wore the Red and White jersey between 1977 and 1982. A commanding central defender, Courbis played a key role in one of the most successful periods in the club’s history, contributing to two French league titles and a Coupe de France triumph.
Born and trained in Marseille, Courbis joined Monaco at the age of 25 after being recruited by coach Lucien Leduc, who had just guided the club back to the top flight. From his arrival, Courbis quickly established himself as a cornerstone of Monaco’s defence, combining authority, consistency and leadership. He became an integral part of a back line that included figures such as goalkeeper Jean-Luc Ettori and defender Manuel Amoros, later a European champion with France.
Courbis enjoyed immediate success in his first season in the Principality. Wearing the iconic diagonal shirt, he helped Monaco secure the French Division 1 title in 1978, an extraordinary achievement that followed directly on the club’s promotion from the second division. The squad, driven by the attacking brilliance of Jean Petit and Delio Onnis, laid the foundations for a golden era.
Further honours followed under coach Gérard Banide, with Monaco lifting the Coupe de France in 1980 before reclaiming the French league title in 1982. Over the course of five seasons, Courbis made 155 appearances for the club, scoring four goals and leaving a lasting imprint on Monaco’s defensive identity.
After leaving the Principality, Courbis concluded his playing career with Sporting Toulon before embarking on a long and wide-ranging coaching journey. Over more than three decades, he managed numerous clubs across France, including Marseille, Bordeaux, Montpellier and Lens, as well as teams abroad in the United Arab Emirates, Russia, Switzerland and Algeria.
From 2005 onwards, Courbis also became a familiar and influential voice in French football media through his work with RMC, where his insight and personality made him one of the station’s most recognisable commentators.
AS Monaco has extended its heartfelt condolences to Rolland Courbis’ family, friends and all those who shared his journey, honouring the memory of a player whose contribution helped shape one of the club’s most successful chapters.
