A tribute to the sporting and cultural history.
A great success marked the presentation of the Barbagiuans of Monaco‘s book, “A Prince and Legends”, held at the Grimaldi Forum during the SPORTEL AWARDS on Sunday, October 27th. The attendees had the opportunity to meet, alongside President Louis Ducruet, some of the legendary footballers who continue to make the great hours of this prestigious team… created at the beginning of the 1980s by H.S.H. Prince Albert II.
“A Prince and Legends” is a tribute to the sporting and cultural history of the Barbagiuans of Monaco, highlighting the landmark adventures that have marked the club’s more than 40 years of existence. It’s also an innovative way of looking back at the quality of the squad which, around H.S.H. Prince Albert II, has been regularly strengthened with emblematic players from international football. Through their availability, these legends (well known to the Monegasque public…) have contributed, over the decades, to the life and development of this prestigious entity… which has become an essential part of the local sporting landscape.
More than just a team, it’s a group whose identity is based on the friendship between its members and the pleasure of coming together around a shared passion: football. Fundamental values now embodied by President Louis Ducruet… which weave an indestructible bond between all the generations of Barbagiuans evoked in the book. “It was important to maintain continuity. Even if the group’s status has changed, this spirit of conviviality must remain the spearhead of our current organizations. It’s part of the heritage that has been handed down to me, and one that I’m proud to represent today”, assures the sovereign’s nephew (the handover from H.S.H. Prince Albert II to Louis Ducruet is mentioned in the book).
“A Prince and Legends”
More than just a book, this exceptional work promises to be a captivating read for anyone wishing to delve into the unique world of the Barbagiuans. From its creation in the intimacy of the sovereign and his close circle, through participation (not only in Monaco) in prestigious friendly and charity events… to the organization of the FIGHT AIDS CUP, inaugurated in 2020.
Thanks to the expert writing of sports journalist François Verdenet, the major milestones in the Barbagiuans’ development will be revealed, notably through previously unpublished testimonials from the main players involved. The first of these is none other than H.S.H. Prince Albert II, who proudly recounts the birth of the Barbagiuans (originally known as “Munegu Autu”) and his anecdotes as a player, in contact with the great names of AS Monaco who, one thing leading to another, have (for many) become part of the squad. From Lucien Cossou to David Trezeguet, not forgetting Delio Onnis, Arsène Wenger, Youri Djorkaeff and Fernando Morientes… the richness of this book lies in the quality of its contributors. They are all honored to have written (and still write) some of the finest pages in the unique history of Monaco’s Barbagiuans.
With the realization of this “ambitious and exceptional” project, Louis Ducruet is delighted to be able to “pay tribute to the Barbagiuans’ pioneers, those who have invested in keeping the team alive and perpetuating its values over the generations.” The president adds: “The availability of certain legendary footballers for so many years honours us, they contribute greatly to the renown of our group and it was therefore important for the passionate public to discover, through this book… their deep attachment to the Barbagiuans of Monaco.”
In memory of Jean Petit, eternal captain… this is how this emotional book begins, in honour of a friend, a legend of the Principality’s club and a true icon of Monaco’s Barbagiuans. Passed away the morning after the FIGHT AIDS CUP 2024 (in which he had once again taken part, as assistant coach), Jeannot, as he was known, was a federator, always present for the team and its public and private events. A central figure in the group’s history, shortly before his death he accorded François Verdenet an interview (to be found in the heart of the book). On January 22, 2024, Jean Petit will have trodden the turf of the Stade Louis II he knew so well for the last time, with the Barbagiuans and their president, Louis Ducruet.
“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 humor and above all, his loyalty to the Barbagiuans… He was a charismatic character, appreciated by all those who had the chance to rub shoulders with him.” Along with Henri Biancheri, Jean Petit was one of the first professional players to join the staff of the sovereign, initially known as “Munegu Autu”. More than his achievements and affection for the Principality, Louis Ducruet remembers above all “an extraordinary man”.
The son of H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie struggles to conceal his emotion as he recalls his last moment with Jeannot. “Despite the difficult times he was going through, Jeannot was determined to be with us once again. A sign of the deep love he had for Barbagiuans. I feel privileged to have been at his side for the final moments of his life, with an evening of the kind he loved to spend around football and his friends. This book is dedicated to him, and a special tribute will be paid to him at the FIGHT AIDS CUP 2025.”
Signing session
Claude Puel, Alfred Vitalis, and Ludovic Giuly—these emblematic figures of Barbagiuans and former glories of Monegasque soccer—were present on Sunday, October 27, at the Grimaldi Forum for the publication of the book “A Prince and Legends”. A signing session was organized with Louis Ducruet and the players mentioned. It was an opportunity for fans to meet some of those whose exploits have marked the centenary history of the club they cherish.
“Barbagiuans have always held an important place in my mind. During my career, my Monaco team-mates and I would watch them train, right after us. It’s an honor to be part of the family and to wear the colors of such an institution,” says Ludovic Giuly, before continuing. “Representing the Barbagiuans at the book launch means being directly associated with over 40 years of existence. I’m proud to be part of this very special moment.”
French champion in 2000 and finalist of the 2004 Champions League with AS Monaco (before winning it with FC Barcelona, 2006), the French international expresses the “happiness felt” at each of his appearances with the team. “The Barbagiuans are the continuity of my fabulous history in red and white, I’m happy to have the opportunity to continue this adventure with Monaco football… in a different but equally prestigious context.”
Winner of the FIGHT AIDS CUP 2023 (against CIRQUE FC), the former striker sincerely reveals the “deep consideration” he has for the princely family, and especially for the Barbagiuans’ current president. “I’ve known Louis since he was a young man. He puts a lot of effort into keeping the group alive and meeting its objectives, while respecting and passing on its fundamental values. I’m delighted to have been able to express, in this book, my personal experience with the Barbagiuans, which will be enriched by events to come…”
Proceeds from sales of the book will go in part to the FIGHT AIDS MONACO association, founded and chaired by H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie.
Loris Saytour
Photos © SPORTEL AWARDS
