The Barbagiuans of Monaco continue their remarkable journey by qualifying for the final of the Prince Rainier III Challenge, following a thrilling semi-final clash this Monday against the Hospital team. This performance rewards far more than just a sporting achievement—it reflects the daily commitment and deep-rooted values of an emblematic team of the Principality.
Often associated with large-scale international events such as the Fight Aids Cup and the Racing Stars Football Cup, the Barbagiuans are above all an amateur team of friends, active and vibrant throughout the year. Under the leadership of Louis Ducruet, the club maintains a steady rhythm of weekly training sessions and participation in Monaco’s inter- company and corporate competitions. This team spirit remains true to the original ethos instilled in the 1980s by H.S.H. Prince Albert II and his close circle: football built on sharing, conviviality, and friendship.
“Today, through our participation in inter-company events and regular training sessions, I feel a real sense of pride seeing the Barbagiuans continue a tradition started several decades ago by my uncle and his friends. At the beginning, it was all about the joy of coming together through football, and that spirit remains unchanged. What matters most is the everyday life of the group: commitment, camaraderie, and the strong bond between generations. We are deeply committed to representing this heritage in the best possible way, particularly in the Prince Rainier III Challenge, while remaining faithful to our values of sharing and passion,” says Louis Ducruet, President of the Barbagiuans of Monaco.
This season marks an important milestone for the Barbagiuans, who are competing for the very first time in the 11-a-side football competition of the Prince Rainier III Challenge. Already involved in several formats of this key event, they have stepped up by excelling in this demanding category.
After a solid campaign marked by strong performances, the Barbagiuans reached the semi-finals, where they faced a highly competitive Hospital team. At the end of two intense 40-minute halves, both sides were level at 1–1. Trailing at one point, the Barbagiuans showed great character to equalize quickly, driven by collective momentum and the energy brought from the sidelines by Louis Ducruet, acting as coach for the evening.
The two teams were ultimately separated by a penalty shootout to secure a place in the final. The Barbagiuans displayed exemplary composure, converting every attempt. Qualification was sealed by the decisive penalty from Olivier Veigneau, a former professional player who notably played for AS Monaco. A loyal member of the group, he remains fully involved in the life of the Barbagiuans, taking part in both major events and amateur matches.
This victory sends the Barbagiuans through to the final of the Prince Rainier III Challenge, where they will face Société des Bains de Mer. The match will take place on May 11 at the Stade Louis II, in what is already shaping up to be a highlight moment for the club.
Beyond the sporting result, this qualification symbolizes the continuation of a legacy born in the early 1980s: a team founded on solidarity, the joy of the game, and the pleasure of being together. Balancing amateur competitions with charitable and international events, the Barbagiuans more than ever embody a unique spirit, where football remains above all a story of passion and friendship.
Louis Ducruet adds:
“These moments with the Barbagiuans are incredibly valuable to me. Above all, they are simple yet essential moments where I reconnect with my friends around our shared passion. This is exactly the spirit in which my uncle, Prince Albert II, started this adventure. Preserving this tradition is not only about taking part in major events—it is about keeping the group alive on a daily basis. With my friends, we carry this continuity, often behind the scenes, but with real intensity. The moments we share under the Barbagiuans banner are unique, and for me they represent much more than football: they are moments of sharing, connection, and simple happiness, which are essential to my balance.”
