Title of the block
LOOKING BACK AT THE FIGHT AIDS CUP 2024: A GREAT SUCCESS
The fourth edition of the FIGHT AIDS CUP took place on January 22, 2024, at Stade Louis II.
The Barbagiuans, led by H.S.H. Prince Albert II and Louis Ducruet, faced off against the CIRQUE FC team of H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie.
Accompanied as always by the Clowns en Folie, the players of both teams, along with the Princely Family, took to the pitch.
The ceremonial kick-off, given by H.S.H. Princess Charlene and H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie, officially launched the match in the presence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, who was visibly delighted.
As in previous years, the friendly yet fierce rivalry between the two teams set the tone. The Barbagiuans, led by Louis Ducruet, had to defend the title they won in the last edition.
Although sidelined due to injury, CIRQUE FC captain Sébastien Frey was there to cheer on and motivate his team to victory.
Despite the charitable cause behind the match, the players’ competitive spirit was evident from the start. The game featured intense play and tight duels, as everyone vied for the prestigious FIGHT AIDS CUP trophy.
The match showcased exceptional technical quality and strong camaraderie among the participants, many of whom once played at the highest levels of global football.
Barbagiuans’ president Louis Ducruet played the entire match, demonstrating his dedication to the cause and his team.
Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc also graced the event, spending much of the first half on the pitch before stepping off.
The Monegasque F1 star honored the event’s organizers with his presence and his ongoing support for both the Barbagiuans and FIGHT AIDS MONACO.
THE MATCH
From the very first minutes, CIRQUE FC, led by an outstanding Clarence Seedorf, controlled possession and created the first clear chances. Determined to reclaim victory, the team of H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie dominated the play and opened the scoring through Youri Djorkaeff. 1-0 for CIRQUE FC
Not satisfied, CIRQUE FC continued their momentum, preventing the Barbagiuans from creating clear chances. Their solid teamwork delayed the inevitable several times but couldn’t stop what seemed bound to happen… Clarence Seedorf, omnipresent on the field, scored again to double their lead, cementing CIRQUE FC’s dominance. 2-0 for CIRQUE FC
Attacks kept piling up against the Barbagiuans of Monaco, putting immense pressure on the historic AS MONACO central defense duo, Sébastien Squillaci and Gaël Givet.
Givet was eventually forced to commit a foul in the penalty area, leading to a penalty. Despite H.S.H. Prince Albert II humorously requesting VAR (which, of course, wasn’t available), it was to no avail. 3-0 for CIRQUE FC, with Robert Pires converting the penalty by sending Daniel Subasic the wrong way.
Halftime was called, and the audience was treated to a vibrant show by the Paris Fire Brigade, performed in front of the Princely box.
At the start of the second half, the tide turned completely… Rejuvenated, the Barbagiuans of Monaco shifted the game’s dynamics, creating numerous dangerous chances. The possession battle swung in their favor, and CIRQUE FC struggled to break out of their half. The Barbagiuans weren’t about to surrender the trophy without a fight. It was only fitting that Javier Ernesto Chevanton, last year’s man of the match, scored to bring the Barbagiuans back into contention. 3-1
A few minutes later, Chevanton scored again, but the goal was disallowed for offside by referee Gaël Angoula. Despite friendly protests from H.S.H. Prince Albert II, the score remained unchanged.
Undeterred, the Uruguayan struck again, bringing the Barbagiuans to 3-2 with a stunning right-footed effort through the opposing defense.
As the match approached its final moments, play evened out, and despite chances on both sides, the scoreline held. CIRQUE FC emerged victorious, 3-2, echoing the Barbagiuans’ triumph from last year.
Gathered for a noble cause, the players celebrated their shared purpose on the pitch.
The trophy was presented to H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie’s CIRQUE FC team, delighted to reclaim victory in this year’s FIGHT AIDS CUP!
At the Barbagiuans’ gala, Youri Djorkaeff received the Man of the Match award from H.S.H. Prince Albert II, succeeding last year’s honoree, Javier Ernesto Chevanton, who once again scored a brace.
Sébastien Frey, Captain of CIRQUE FC:
“I’m thrilled to have won the FIGHT AIDS CUP for the third time. The Princess shared her happiness and gratitude with all the players.
Once again, significant funds were raised for FIGHT AIDS MONACO, which is the primary reason we’re here. The goal has been achieved, and the event continues to grow and improve each year, allowing us to approach future editions with ambition and confidence. I want to thank the Princely Family and congratulate Louis Ducruet, who played a central role in organizing this gala evening.
We’ll be back next year to continue this momentum and, of course, defend the trophy.”
Louis Ducruet, President of the Barbagiuans and Event Organizer:
“This fourth edition met all expectations. I’m proud to see the FIGHT AIDS CUP evolve, with the continued presence and support of football legends. The aim of drawing attention to the association has once again been accomplished. I know the funds raised will be used wisely, and I’m delighted to contribute to the growth and sustainability of FIGHT AIDS MONACO through this event.
Of course, there’s a bittersweet feeling with the loss—I would have loved to keep the title for another year. That said, I saw participants and the audience enjoy themselves, which is what truly matters. I congratulate CIRQUE FC, and we’ll be back next year, hoping for a result that favors the Barbagiuans.”
