AS Monaco Players Strip Down on Plane To Stay Cool

An unplanned incident brought the players of AS Monaco unexpected attention this week, as a logistical mishap before their UEFA Champions League match led to viral moments and a surge of new LGBTQ+ fans. As the team prepared to fly from France to Belgium for their opening match against Club Brugge, a failure in the aircraft’s air conditioning system left the cabin stiflingly hot, forcing players to strip down to their underwear to cope with the heat .

Footage shared on social media, including Snapchat posts by Monaco defender Jordan Teze, showed players fanning themselves and lounging in their underwear as they waited for updates. The impromptu strip-down—initially a practical response to the sweltering conditions—quickly gained momentum online, with fans around the world sharing their amusement and support .

🥵 Petit problème d’air conditionné dans l’avion qui doit mener les monégasques à Bruges ! 😂 pic.twitter.com/5wBieBhYz6

— ASMHistoire 🇲🇨 (@ASMHistoire) September 17, 2025

Social media platforms lit up with commentary, memes, and appreciative posts, especially from LGBTQ+ fans who celebrated the squad’s playful, body-positive response to adversity. Many praised not only the team’s sense of humor but also the comfort and solidarity shown among teammates in an unexpected situation. One fan tweeted, “This is too funny lol,” while another remarked on the refreshing display of vulnerability and authenticity from elite athletes .

LGBTQ+ sports advocates noted that moments like these, though accidental, can contribute positively to perceptions of masculinity in sports. By normalizing comfort with one’s own body and fostering a sense of community, such incidents offer a counter-narrative to the traditional, often rigid, norms of the football world .

The incident unfolded as the team was set to depart for Belgium ahead of a high-stakes Champions League fixture. With the temperature inside the plane rising to uncomfortable levels and no immediate fix for the air conditioning, club officials and flight crew determined that remaining on board or attempting to fly would be unsafe. Head coach Adi Hütter explained in a press briefing, “For technical reasons, it was impossible to travel, as everyone’s safety was not guaranteed. That’s why we decided, in agreement with Thiago Scuro, to postpone our trip” .

The team ultimately remained in France for the night, rescheduling their travel for the next morning to ensure all players and staff could make the journey safely. The disruption required an improvised schedule, but Hütter said the players took the setback in stride, adapting quickly and focusing on their upcoming match .

While the situation was unplanned, the Monaco players’ response—marked by good humor and mutual support—has been widely lauded by fans and LGBTQ+ sports commentators. In a professional sports landscape where discussions around masculinity, vulnerability, and inclusion are ongoing, this moment became a touchpoint for conversations about body positivity and acceptance. LGBTQ+ advocates have long highlighted the importance of such displays, which can help break down stereotypes and make sports more welcoming for all identities .

Sports psychologist and LGBTQ+ inclusion expert Dr. Emile Laurent commented, “When elite athletes show that they can have fun, support each other, and not take themselves too seriously, it sends a powerful message that sports are for everyone. Moments like these help LGBTQ+ fans feel seen and valued” .

The team’s openness and the overwhelmingly positive online reaction underscore how the world of football is evolving. As LGBTQ+ fans continue to carve out space in the global sports fandom, moments of shared humanity—such as a team in their underwear, laughing together in the face of adversity—resonate far beyond the pitch.

Though the Monaco players’ ordeal was brief, its impact has been lasting. Social media engagement from LGBTQ+ fans, allies, and sports enthusiasts alike has reinforced the importance of inclusivity, humor, and resilience in high-pressure environments. As the team returns to the field, the story of their unexpected viral fame serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable moments in sports happen off the pitch—and can bring communities together in surprising ways .

As AS Monaco continues its Champions League campaign, fans—new and old—will be watching, not just for the football, but for the camaraderie and openness that has endeared the team to so many.