The 5th edition of the FIGHT AIDS CUP is just around the corner! Wednesday January 22 at 5:30 p.m., the BARBAGIUANS and CIRQUE FC met at the Stade Louis II for this traditional charity football match, for the benefit of the association created and chaired by H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie, FIGHT AIDS MONACO. Birthday obliges, a five-star casting has been announced around the princely family to participate in this exceptional event… organized this year in memory of the legendary Jean Petit. “The Barbagiuans remind me of friends at that time, real friends who loved getting together, who loved football and who knew how to create good, friendly, family moments. » H.S.H. Prince Albert II, honorary president of the Barbagiuans of Monaco… in the team’s book (A Prince and Legends). “With the undeniable success of the first four editions, expectations are numerous and legitimate, so we must ride the wave to continue to progress and offer spectators an evening they will remember. »
President of the Barbagiuans of Monaco, Louis Ducruet notes with pride the development of the event over the years, always more attractive in every way. But he is not yet satisfied… On January 22, the FIGHT AIDS CUP will celebrate its fifth anniversary, building on the success of previous editions, with its eyes already turned towards the future. And the cake looks plentiful… “This is an important step. Five years is not nothing, the upcoming evening must be consistent with our fundamentals but also an opening to the future, by introducing the public to certain new things. » On the field, certain players, many of them young retirees… will appear in both squads. Enough to revive the interest of enthusiasts and mix several generations of football icons in the FIGHT AIDS CUP. “The objective being to broaden the field of possibilities by integrating other key football personalities into the great Barbagiuans family.” Some (very few) have never even been through the Principality club… enough to bring added value to the codes which have been authentic for four years (the complete list will be revealed in the coming days on the Barbagiuans social networks).
In 2025, the FIGHT AIDS CUP is dedicated to the memory of Jean Petit… in memory of a friend, legend of Monegasque football and true icon of the Barbagiuans (who died the morning after the previous edition).
Fictitious kick-off carried out by part of his family, image on the screens of the Louis II stadium, minute of applause… several organizational elements will be in 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 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 meet him,” assures the sovereign’s nephew.
A “Jeannot Petit” trophy will also be awarded by HSH Prince Albert II and Louis Ducruet to the best Barbagiuans player, during the private post-match evening.
Patrice Evra, sponsor of the FIGHT AIDS CUP 2025
“When I make videos on social networks and I have a laudatory comment thanking me for putting a smile on my face, that’s more important to me than winning the Champions League…”
With a professional career that lasted more than 20 years, Patrice Evra has known everything in football. Captain of the French team, winner of the Champions League… the former left back had a successful career with the most prestigious European clubs.
Now retired from the field, the ambassador of the famous slogan “I LOVE THIS GAME” works daily with major global institutions (United Nations, World Health Organization, etc.) supporting their motivations and numerous charitable initiatives. On January 22, he will return to the Stade Louis II, the land of his first exploits… to express his sensitivity towards the cause defended by the FIGHT AIDS CUP. Player of the Barbagiuans, his role will go far beyond the framework of the athlete.
“I am honored to be the first sponsor in the history of this wonderful event. My investment will match the enthusiasm felt at the idea of participating and returning to Monaco.
When sport and a good cause become one, I am never very far away… I have received a lot in my life and now, it is about bringing a little smile back to those who struggle on a daily basis, through football and my personality. »
President of the Barbagiuans and organizer of the event, Louis Ducruet says he is “very happy” by the presence and significant sponsorship of a “huge player, who, like those of the European epic in 2003/2004, made me experiencing my first big emotions as a supporter. »
Revealed in the Principality, where he experienced his first significant 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. “I wrote a great story in Monaco, observers often mention Patrice Evra at Manchester United, Juventus the French team… but we spontaneously forget what I accomplished under this prestigious jersey. Without my emergence here and the unwavering support of Prince Albert, the path of my career would undoubtedly have been different,” he assures, honored by the support of the sovereign and the trust he has always shown in him.
“Monaco is the home, where I really made myself known to the general public. Each time I am received with great affection, for life I will have a red and white heart, this love of the Principality. »
An additional reason why the man who participated in two World Cups in the blue jersey is delighted to join the prestigious Barbagiuans team… so dear to H.S.H. Prince Albert II. “It means a lot, it’s a responsibility. I am very attached to the history and values defended by this institution, which symbolizes the generosity of the princely family and the Monegasques. »
Victim of sexual assault when he was 13 years old (mentioned in his book), this unfortunate experience provoked in him a desire to transmit, through his various actions, a message of unity and support. And this in awareness of the significant difficulties (health or otherwise) that some may encounter on a daily basis. “I was educated with the values of solidarity and kindness towards others. Being young, I didn’t only have easy times, but that didn’t stop me from succeeding. I want to meet and give courage to people who are suffering and this will once again be the case during the FIGHT AIDS CUP. »
New faces
“It is a privilege to return to Monaco and participate in the FIGHT AIDS CUP. » French international, 1998 world champion, Christian Karembeu will take part in the event for the first time. In line with his main issues, the former midfielder with 53 caps is very enthusiastic about the idea of making his contribution… and transmitting to observers a beautiful message of solidarity. “It is important to continue to find solutions to improve the living conditions of all people living with HIV. When I was asked to come, I accepted without hesitation. »
CIRQUE FC player, Christian Karembeu is also delighted to experience, on this occasion, new great moments in his favorite discipline. And this through contact with former glories (teammates or opponents) with whom he managed, a few years earlier… to reach the heights of his sport. “Coming back onto the field always gives me a great feeling. It’s a real pleasure for the enthusiast that I am. We will therefore try to repeat the actions that we were able to make at the highest level, with friends and in a very different context. Football is a big family, lots of conviviality… this meeting will allow us to get together to rehash past exploits and our common memories. »
A competitor at heart, the man who ended his professional career at the end of 2005 is ambitious for the FIGHT AIDS CUP which is looming. “The desire to win, the desire to challenge others… that cannot be lost. For the players, it is an opportunity to collect a new trophy and, at the same time, share emotions with those present. »
Without forgetting that the objectives of the evening go far beyond the field. “We will be here to best represent HSH Princess Stéphanie and the cause she has been defending for 20 years. It’s about cheering up those who need it, that’s the whole point of this exceptional event. »
A feeling 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 makes it possible to raise awareness among a wide audience and mobilize essential funds in order to carry out our actions. Much more than a match, it is a symbol of hope and the fight against discrimination”, he explains, before recognizing that sport, and particularly football… has an “incredible capacity to bring people together around universal values such as solidarity and surpassing oneself. By bringing together so many legends in Monaco, the FIGHT AIDS CUP carries a fabulous message of inclusion and support for people living with HIV. »
See you at the Stade Louis II on Wednesday January 22, 2025 for the 5th edition of the FIGHT AIDS CUP, which promises to be exceptional.
Kick-off scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
