Football and solidarity bring together legends in a special evening.
H.S.H Prince Albert II: “The Barbagiuans embody a spirit of solidarity, conviviality and passion for sport that reflects the values of our Principality. Their development bears witness to their commitment to initiatives that bring our community together and inspire it. I’m particularly proud to see how the Barbagiuans have been able to evolve, not only in sporting terms, but also by getting involved in social and charitable projects. It’s a group that does Monaco proud.”
Honorary President of the Barbagiuans of Monaco, the Sovereign is delighted to be reunited with his heart team every year for the FIGHT AIDS CUP. It’s an exceptional evening where the stakes go far beyond the pitch. “The Fight Aids Cup is much more than just a sporting event. It’s a celebration of solidarity and generosity in the service of an essential cause: the fight against HIV/AIDS and support for those affected. This evening illustrates the power of sport and collective action to advance causes that transcend borders and generations.”
This year and for the first time, the BARBAGIUANS BUSINESS CLUB was organised alongside the match, in collaboration with the Monaco Economic Board. It was a moment for sharing and conviviality where the partners came together around a common interest. The aim was to make business connections and meet the people who have enabled the FIGHT AIDS CUP to develop over the last five editions. The players were also invited, along with Barbagiuans president Louis Ducruet and Patrice Evra, sponsor of this anniversary edition. The shirts of the two teams were unveiled at the start of the day. It was an opportunity for the football legends to prepare in good spirits for the evening’s match…
The match
Three wins to one ahead of the fifth edition for the CIRQUE FC team, holders of the title and ready to build on their sporting superiority of recent years. H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie‘s team, led by captain Sébastien Frey, includes a number of newcomers, not the least of whom are Franck Ribéry, Christian Karembeu, Maxime Gonalons and Anthony Modeste. Around them are senior players such as Robert Pirès. For the Barbagiuans, Patrice Evra can count on the support of 2018 world champion Raphaël Varane and FIGHT AIDS CUP stalwarts Youri Djorkaeff and Ludovic Giuly.
A mock kick-off was given by H.S.H Prince Albert II and members of Jean Petit‘s family. A vibrant tribute was paid to him. After a spirited start, CIRQUE FC quickly took the lead thanks to a fine strike from Anthony Modeste. Franck Ribéry was in the middle of all the moves. Their domination was threatened by an almost immediate burst of energy from the BARBAGIUANS, who were determined to reverse the trend and reclaim the trophy, which they had previously won only once, in 2023. The intensity increased and the pace quickened, with Ludovic Giuly managing to equalise and give renewed hope to the team led by H.S.H Prince Albert II and Louis Ducruet. And so it continued. Shortly afterwards, Sonny Anderson rounded off a classy move with a left-foot volley into the top corner of Sébastien Frey’s net. 2/1 to the Barbagiuans. The lead was short-lived, however, as Anthony Modeste scored twice just before half-time to bring CIRQUE FC level.
The second half got off to a flying start for the 800-odd spectators who had to contend with the inclement weather conditions. Franck Ribéry and Robert Pirès, who were clearly in the spotlight, caused problems for the Barbagiuans’ defence, and the latter provided the decisive pass for Anthony Modeste, who scored a hat-trick on his first appearance in the FIGHT AIDS CUP. 42nd minute, 3/2 for CIRQUE FC. Barbagiuans captain Louis Ducruet has no intention of relinquishing the trophy, and neither does Patrice Evra. The Barbagiuans went forward again and provoked an error in the opposing defence. Ludovic Giuly brought the score back to 3/3. But that was without counting on CIRQUE FC’s historic leaders, such as Robert Pirès, who restored his team’s lead. 4/3 CIRQUE FC.
As a result, the match picked up pace, the duels multiplied and referee Gaël Angoula was called into action on several occasions. In a game of great commitment but with a friendly atmosphere, everyone remained focused on the stakes of the FIGHT AIDS CUP and gave their best in the final moments to best represent the cause that brings their together. A few minutes later, Sako scored for CIRQUE FC to give his team a two-goal lead. But that was without counting on the determination of Patrice Evra, for whom defeat was never an option.
The rain began to fall again, but that didn’t stop the Barbagiuans from getting their foot back on the ball. They now had to push to create chances and get back into the match with 20 minutes remaining. After a poor clearance by the CIRQUE FC defence, former Monaco player Serge Gakpé reduced the deficit. It was 5/4 to CIRQUE FC, and despite a number of chances to equalise that would have allowed the Barbagiuans to decide the 2025 FIGHT AIDS CUP on penalties, the scoreline never changed. THE CIRQUE FC wins the FIGHT AIDS CUP 2025, 5 goals to 4. An exceptional football match that saw legends battle it out for the benefit of FIGHT AIDS MONACO. Louis Ducruet played the entire match.
During the private gala evening that followed, the ‘Jeannot Petit’ trophy, which rewards the best BARBAGIUANS, was symbolically presented by Louis Ducruet to ALFRED VITALIS. An AS MONACO legend, he played alongside Jean Petit throughout his life and has always played alongside the Barbagiuans. A trophy awarded to a historic player, who honoured us with his presence to attend the event once again. For the FIGHT AIDS CUP 2025, the man of the match is Robert Pirès. A French international and 1998 world champion, he is a regular at this major event in the Principality, and his talent made a major contribution to CIRQUE FC’s victory this year…
Louis Ducruet, President of Barbagiuans: “I’m delighted with this anniversary edition. It was a great success, both on the pitch, with the presence of football legends, a great show and nine goals, and off the pitch, with substantial funds raised for FIGHT AIDS MONACO, the ultimate goal of our campaign.”
Loris Saytour
Photos: Pool FIGHT AIDS CUP 2025
