In 2011, the Association Sportive de Monaco Football Club (more commonly known as AS Monaco FC) was at the bottom of Ligue 2, and the team was facing the possibility of being pushed into third division. Apparently, at the time, Prince Albert II of Monaco decided it was time for serious changes in order to save the club; Dmitry Rybolovlev became majority owner and President of the club.

Vadim Vasilyev (above), Vice-President and CEO of AS Monaco, joined the team two years ago when Dmitry entrusted him at the helm of an ambitious project. Despite the fact Vadim had no work experience related to professional sports or managing a football team, the unexpected proposal to lead the club seemed exciting and too good to pass up.

Vadim could be called a one-man orchestra. His position at AS Monaco includes the daily management of the football club and the aim to produce results. There’s obviously a lot of work with the team and transfers, the coaches, the technical department and medical services, monitoring the market – and keeping an eye out for new talented players.

The second part of his job tackles the administrative side to ensure viability of the club. This includes the legal, financial, and commercial activities, working with partners, sponsors, monitoring ticket sales at Stade Louis II in Fontvieille and promoting the brand.

Hard work usually requires sacrifice, and this is the case with Vadim Vasilyev. A year and a half of his dedication has brought very positive results, AS Monaco Football Club has passed from the Ligue 2 to Ligue 1 in a relatively short period and, by the end of the 2014/15 season, had finished third in the French championship, and secured a spot in the Champions League.

Vadim studied economics at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO). He was one of the few top graduates to know the Icelandic language, which saw him appointed for a diplomatic position in Iceland. When he returned to Russia he worked for several international companies, where his activities were mainly connected with import-export. In the late 1990s, Vadim lived and worked in Monaco in the field of international trade. And while he feels anything can happen in life, he sees his future in Monaco.

Dmitry envisions a great future – victories and trophies for AS Monaco, and becoming League champions. Vadim Vasilyev is convinced that the team’s joint efforts, along with a little luck, can make that dream come true. Credit must also be given to the AS Monaco Football Academy, from where a large number of legendary graduates are now playing in different French football clubs. According to many industry professionals, the AS Monaco Academy is one of the best in France.

At the end of 2015, the then UEFA president Michel Platini awarded Vadim Vasilyev the Globe Soccer Award given to those who’ve made significant contributions towards the development of world football.

Vadim has also opened a few restaurants, adding a different dimension to his professional life, yet doesn’t consider himself a workaholic because for him harmony is the most important thing. In his opinion, everyone needs to find a balance between work and free time – it’s only a question of priorities and planning.