A powerful image that will remain etched in memory: on the pitch of Osaka’s Panasonic Stadium, H.S.H. Prince Albert II gave the ceremonial kick-off of a football match alongside Takumi Minamino, Japanese player for AS Monaco and ambassador of this exceptional event, entitled “United Through Legends.” A symbolic gesture to launch this unprecedented encounter between Monaco’s Barbagiuans and a selection of Japanese football legends, all former internationals.
Organized on the sidelines of Monaco’s National Day at the Osaka World Expo, this charity match marked a turning point in the history of the Barbagiuans. For the first time since Louis Ducruet became president of the club, the team went international. And not just anywhere: to Japan, a country dear to the heart of Ducruet, who also serves as Honorary Commissioner of the Monaco Pavilion. He underlined “the longstanding friendship between the Principality and Japan.”
On the pitch, the line-up was enough to make fans dream: Marcel Desailly, Robert Pires, Patrice Evra, Ludovic Giuly, Gaël Givet… Facing them, former Japanese internationals determined not to be mere spectators. The match lived up to expectations: pace, intensity, spectacle, and real commitment from both sides.
The Japanese opened the scoring and led for much of the game. At half-time they were ahead 3–2, despite goals from Robert Pires and Patrice Evra (penalty). The Barbagiuans came back strong in the second half, never letting go. One of the heroes of Monaco’s legendary 2004 season, Gaël Givet, equalized late in the match after a defensive error, before Serge Gakpé sealed a 4–3 victory for the Barbagiuans in the closing minutes.
As always with the Barbagiuans and with Louis Ducruet’s leadership, the event carried a strong message: solidarity and sharing — the founding values of the club created more than 40 years ago by H.S.H. Prince Albert II. The Japanese crowd, both numerous and warm, responded in kind. The atmosphere was festive yet respectful, befitting the occasion. Proceeds will be donated to FIGHT AIDS MONACO as well as several local organizations supporting victims of the earthquake that struck the city of Noto, Japan.
Around the pitch, the princely family and the official Monegasque delegation attended the match — a strong show of support giving full meaning to this international venture. The event was also made possible thanks to the involvement of Ludovic Giuly and his company Goatsiders, a key organizational partner on the ground. One match, one debut, one symbol. In Osaka, the Barbagiuans proved that their commitment goes far beyond the borders of the Principality, extending to new cultures.
An international premiere crowned with success — and certainly not the last…
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Louis Ducruet: “I am a big fan of Japan. Since childhood I have developed a great admiration for the Land of the Rising Sun, discovering its culture and identity. With the Barbagiuans, I wanted us to be able to reach beyond our borders. Osaka was our first experience, the connection was clear. It was an important challenge, and we rose to it, far from our usual environment.”
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Marcel Desailly: “It is always a pleasure to contribute to the success of such sporting and charitable events. I was delighted to wear the Barbagiuans’ Monegasque shirt on this occasion. We came from afar, there was a crowd in the stadium, great energy… I’m satisfied.”
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Robert Pires: “Even though I never played for Monaco, when Ludo Giuly and president Louis Ducruet invited me today, I didn’t hesitate. It’s a real pleasure — and most important of all is the good cause, the reason we are all here, and the joy of reuniting.”
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Ludovic Giuly: “This was a very fine event and I am delighted to have taken part. It is always an honor to play in front of the princely family, present for the occasion… so I am happiest of all to have contributed to the success of this project.”
— Loris Saytour
