Íñigo López de la Osa Franco: Monaco’s New Standard in Show Jumping Excellence
At just 22 years old, Íñigo López de la Osa Franco is already reshaping Monaco’s equestrian narrative. Calm, focused and relentlessly disciplined, the young rider has become the first male Monegasque athlete to compete in the FEI Jumping World Cup, while also securing qualification for the 2026 World Championships—a milestone achievement not only for his career, but for the Principality’s sporting history.
Far from loud proclamations or rapid fame, Íñigo’s rise has been built on patience, precision and a deep respect for the sport. In the rarefied world of elite show jumping—where experience often outweighs youth—his progress marks him as one of Monaco’s most promising international sporting ambassadors.
A Defining Call from Jan Tops
There are moments in an athlete’s career that confirm years of sacrifice were worth it. For Íñigo, that moment came with a phone call from Jan Tops, founder of the Global Champions League, personally selecting him for the prestigious circuit.
“When Jan Tops chooses you, it means something,” Íñigo says, speaking at his family’s stables in Ventimiglia, Italy, where much of his training takes place. “I was very happy. Being part of the Global Champions League has always been a dream of mine.”
Chosen to ride for the Stockholm Hearts, Íñigo joined one of the most competitive team formats in modern show jumping—an elite league that brings together Olympic medalists, World Champions and rising stars under intense international scrutiny.
“We had a team before, but I was too young to be involved,” he explains. “Two years later, I was jumping bigger classes and felt ready. It was the right opportunity at the right moment.”
From Monaco to the World Stage
Representing Monaco on the international circuit carries a unique weight. With limited equestrian infrastructure compared to larger nations, success requires not only talent but exceptional determination. Íñigo’s achievements signal a turning point for Monegasque show jumping, proving that riders from the Principality can compete—and win—on the world’s most demanding stages.
His qualification for the 2026 FEI World Championships further cements his status as a rider to watch. It also places him among a select group of athletes shaping the future of the sport.
Quiet Ambition, Relentless Discipline
Despite the accolades, Íñigo remains grounded. Those who know him best describe a rider defined not by ego, but by routine: early mornings, meticulous preparation and an almost analytical approach to horsemanship.
“I’m proud, of course,” he admits. “But this level requires consistency. You can’t rely on one good result—you have to earn your place every weekend.”
It’s this mindset that continues to fuel his upward trajectory. While others chase visibility, Íñigo focuses on performance, letting results speak for themselves.
A Name Etched into Monaco’s Sporting History
Still at the beginning of his career, Íñigo López de la Osa Franco has already achieved what few manage in a lifetime. As Monaco’s first male rider in the FEI Jumping World Cup, a Global Champions League competitor, and a World Championship qualifier, he is not just participating—he is setting new benchmarks.
And if his trajectory so far is any indication, this is only the opening chapter of a career destined to leave a lasting mark on international show jumping.
