On Wednesday 22 January at 5.30 p.m., BARBAGIUANS and CIRQUE FC meet at the Stade Louis II for this traditional charity football match, in aid of the association created and chaired by H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie, FIGHT AIDS MONACO. In honour of the anniversary, a five-star cast has been announced around the Princely Family to take part in this exceptional event… organised this year in memory of the legendary Jean Petit.
‘The Barbagiuans remind me of those days of friends, true friends who enjoyed getting together, who loved football and who knew how to create enjoyable family moments’. H.S.H. Prince Albert II, Honorary President of the Barbagiuans of Monaco… in the team book (‘A Prince and Legends’).
‘With the undeniable success of the first four editions, expectations are high and legitimate, so we must ride the wave to continue to progress and offer spectators an evening to remember.’
Louis Ducruet, President of the Barbagiuans of Monaco, is proud of the way the event has developed over the years, becoming ever more attractive in every way. But he still hasn’t had enough… On 22 January, the FIGHT AIDS CUP will be celebrating its fifth anniversary, building on the success of previous editions, and already looking to the future.
And the cake looks set to be copious…
‘This is an important milestone. Five years is no mean feat, and the evening ahead must be consistent with our fundamentals, but also open to what’s to come, by introducing the public to some new things.’
On the pitch, a number of players, many of them recently retired, will be making an appearance in both squads. This should rekindle the interest of fans and bring together several generations of football icons in the FIGHT AIDS CUP. ‘The aim is to widen the field of possibilities by integrating other key football personalities into the Barbagiuans family.’
Some of them (very few) have never even played for the Principality’s club… adding value to the codes that have been used for the last four years (the full list will be unveiled in the next few days on the Barbagiuans’s social networks).
In 2025, the FIGHT AIDS CUP will be dedicated to the memory of Jean Petit… in tribute to a friend, Monegasque football legend and true icon of the Barbagiuans (who passed away the morning after the previous edition).
A mock kick-off by some of his family, an image on the screens of the Louis II stadium, a minute’s applause… several organisational elements will pay tribute to this great man, loved by all.
‘Jeannot was the perfect embodiment of who we are. The generosity he showed throughout his life will always be remembered. His smile, his infectious good humour and, above all, his loyalty to the Barbagiuans… He was a charismatic character, appreciated by all those who had the good fortune to be close to him,’ said the nephew of the sovereign.
A ‘Jeannot Petit’ trophy will also be awarded by HSH Prince Albert II and Louis Ducruet to the best Barbagiuans player at the private after-match evening.
Patrice Evra, sponsor of the FIGHT AIDS CUP 2025
‘When I make videos on social networks and I get a glowing comment thanking me for putting a smile on people’s faces, that’s more important to me than having won the Champions League…’
With a professional career spanning more than 20 years, Patrice Evra has seen it all in football. Captain of the French national team, winner of the Champions League… the former left-back has played for some of Europe’s most prestigious clubs.
Now retired from the pitch, the ambassador of the famous slogan ‘I LOVE THIS GAME’ works on a daily basis with the world’s major institutions (United Nations, World Health Organisation, etc.), supporting their motivations and numerous charity initiatives. On 22 January, he will be returning to the Stade Louis II, the scene of his first exploits… to show his support for the cause defended by the FIGHT AIDS CUP. As a player for the Barbagiuans, his role will extend far beyond the sporting arena. ‘I’m honoured to be the first sponsor in the history of this wonderful event. My investment will be as great as the enthusiasm I feel at the idea of taking part and coming back to Monaco,’ before adding.
‘When sport and a good cause become one, I’m never very far away… I’ve received a lot in my life and now it’s a question of putting a smile back on the faces of those who struggle on a daily basis, through football and my own personality’.
President of the Barbagiuans and organiser of the event, Louis Ducruet said he was ‘very pleased’ by the presence and significant patronage of ‘an amazing player, who, like those who took part in the European triumph in 2003, gave me my first great thrills as a supporter’.
Having made his reputation in the Principality, where he enjoyed his first major successes, Patrice Evra looks back with pride and gratitude on his years in Monaco – a real springboard for the talented young player that he was. ‘Observers often refer to Patrice Evra at Manchester United, Juventus and the French national team, but people tend to forget what I achieved in this prestigious shirt. Without my blossoming here and the unfailing support of Prince Albert, the course of my career would undoubtedly have been different,’ he says, honoured by the sovereign’s support and the confidence he has always shown in him.
‘Monaco is my home, the place where I really made a name for myself with the general public. Every time I’m received with great affection, I’ll have a red and white heart for life, this love of the Principality.’
All the more reason why the player who has taken part in two World Cups in the blue jersey is delighted to be joining the prestigious Barbagiuans team… so dear to H.S.H. Prince Albert II. ‘It means a lot, it’s a responsibility. I’m very attached to the history and values upheld by this institution, which symbolises the generosity of the Princely Family and the people of Monaco.’
As a victim of sexual assault when he was 13 (mentioned in his book), this unfortunate experience gave rise to a desire to pass on, through his various actions, a message of unity and support. And he does this with an awareness of the major difficulties (health or otherwise) that some people may encounter on a daily basis. ‘I was brought up with the values of solidarity and kindness towards others. When I was young, I didn’t have it easy, but that didn’t stop me from succeeding. I want to meet people who are suffering and give them courage, and this will be the case once again at the FIGHT AIDS CUP.’
A few new faces
‘It’s a privilege to come back to Monaco and take part in the FIGHT AIDS CUP’.
French international and 1998 world champion Christian Karembeu will be taking part in the event for the first time. In tune with the main issues at stake, the former midfielder with 53 caps is very enthusiastic about the idea of doing his bit… and sending observers a fine message of solidarity. ‘It is important to continue to find solutions to improve the living conditions of all people living with HIV. So when I was asked to come along, I accepted without hesitation.’
As a CIRQUE FC player, Christian Karembeu is also looking forward to experiencing new highs in his favorite discipline. And he is doing so in contact with former glories (team-mates or opponents) with whom he reached the summit of his sport a few years ago. ‘Being back on the pitch always gives me a great feeling. It’s a real pleasure for the football fan that I am. We’re going to try and repeat the moves we made at the highest level, with our mates and in a very different context. Football is a big family, and there’s a lot of conviviality involved… this event will give us the chance to get together and reminisce about past exploits and common memories.’
A competitor at heart, the man who retired from his professional career at the end of 2005 is ambitious for the upcoming FIGHT AIDS CUP. ‘The desire to win, to challenge others… you never lose that. For the players, it’s an opportunity to win another trophy and, at the same time, to share emotions with those present.’
And let’s not forget that the evening’s objectives extend far beyond the pitch. ‘We will be here to represent H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie and the cause she has been defending for 20 years. It’s all about brightening up those who need it, and that’s what this exceptional event is all about.’
A sentiment obviously shared by Christophe Glasser, Director of FIGHT AIDS MONACO. ‘The Fight Aids Cup has established itself year after year as a flagship event for the association. This meeting, initiated by Louis Ducruet with the Barbagiuans, raises awareness among a wide audience and raises essential funds for our actions. Much more than just a match, it’s a symbol of hope and the fight against discrimination’, he explains, before acknowledging that sport, and football in particular, has an ‘incredible capacity to rally people around universal values such as solidarity and surpassing oneself’. By bringing together so many legends in Monaco, the FIGHT AIDS CUP sends out a fabulous message of inclusion and support for people living with HIV.
See you at the Stade Louis II on Wednesday 22 January 2025 for the 5th edition of the FIGHT AIDS CUP, which promises to be exceptional.
Kick-off scheduled for 5.30pm.
