It is an extraordinary event, etched in gold in Monaco’s calendar… the RACING STARS FOOTBALL CUP is making a spectacular return on Wednesday, June 3rd at 3:30 PM, serving as the true opening of Grand Prix week. Under the leadership of the Barbagiuans de Monaco and their president Louis Ducruet, drivers, football legends and international celebrities will gather at Stade Louis II for a gala match featuring Brazilian icon Ronaldinho and under the watchful eye of Jacky Ickx, ambassador of the RACING STARS FOOTBALL CUP 2026.
“The Racing Stars Football Cup 2026 promises to be spectacular. It is an event that brings together personalities from all backgrounds around a unique, festive and deeply human concept. Once again this year, we are going to experience a great moment of sport, sharing and emotion, all in support of causes that are especially close to our hearts.” — Louis Ducruet
“What is beautiful is using energy, talent and passion in support of positive causes. Everything that contributes to Monaco’s international prestige has always touched me deeply. This event embodies exactly that: beautiful football, people united by enjoyment, sharing and solidarity. I am proud to be its ambassador and deeply moved that Louis thought of me for this role.”
— Jacky Ickx
Ronaldinho, Carlos Sainz, Pierre Gasly, Paul Mirabel, Paul de Saint Sernin and Nikos Aliagas…
An incredible show is guaranteed for this second edition of the RACING STARS FOOTBALL CUP! A true curtain-raiser for Monaco Grand Prix week, this gala match between the Barbagiuans and the Nazionale Piloti has established itself as the festive and prestigious prelude to one of the Principality’s most anticipated events.
Revived last year, this traditional fixture — with more than 30 years of history — was an instant success, attracting a large crowd and numerous international personalities. “The first edition was already extraordinary. The enthusiasm shown by the public last year inspires us to go even further today,” says Louis Ducruet, president of the Barbagiuans and organiser of the event, before adding: “The 2026 edition we are preparing aims to be even more ambitious, with an exceptional line-up and many exciting surprises still to come…”
A Prestigious Line-Up Blending Sport and Celebrity
Among the first confirmed names on the drivers’ side are Luke Browning, Oliver Goethe (F2) and former Italian central defender Leonardo Bonucci, Juventus legend… Other personalities will complete the squad of a determined Nazionale Piloti side, eager for revenge after last year’s 6-4 defeat. Facing them, the Barbagiuans will field a team that perfectly reflects their identity: eclectic, international and undeniably prestigious. Alongside Louis Ducruet will be former professional footballers such as Ludovic Giuly and Flavio Roma, as well as content creator Tibo InShape, model Baptiste Giabiconi and renowned DJ Yann Muller, to name just a few.
“The RACING STARS FOOTBALL CUP is a fantastic opportunity to open the Barbagiuans to international personalities from very different backgrounds. Seeing them proudly wear our jersey is a real source of pride,” says Louis Ducruet. “The expansion of our squad also symbolises the strength of our values of sharing, solidarity and friendliness, which continue to resonate with an ever wider and more diverse audience.”
And of course, there will be the exceptional presence of Jacky Ickx as ambassador of the RACING STARS FOOTBALL CUP 2026. A true Formula 1 legend and multiple winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, he alone embodies the history, prestige and excellence of international motorsport. Admired by racing fans around the world, Jacky Ickx succeeds former Finnish driver Mika Häkkinen, double world champion and ambassador of the 2025 edition. “Driven by Louis Ducruet, whose commitment gives this initiative a very special soul, this event continues to pursue a magnificent charitable and human ambition. I am very happy to contribute to its influence and honoured to be associated with it,” Jacky Ickx says.
Ronaldinho As The Star Guest
This is an exceptional and already historic announcement for the Racing Stars Football Cup. Ronaldinho, true legend of world football and absolute icon of Brazilian sport, will be in Monaco to take part in the event wearing the colours of the Barbagiuans. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history, Ronaldinho will be the headline star of the 2026 edition and will offer the Monaco crowd the unique opportunity to watch at Stade Louis II the man whose magic mesmerised football fans around the globe.
“I didn’t hesitate for a second. Receiving this invitation was an immense joy, and it will be an even greater joy to play and make my contribution. Monaco is a magnificent place where sport, especially motorsport, is everywhere. I have always loved Formula 1 and attend races whenever I can. It will be an honour to take part in a celebration where we truly contribute to a greater cause,” says Ronaldinho.
Winner of the 2005 Ballon d’Or, world champion with Brazil in 2002, two-time FIFA World Player of the Year, UEFA Champions League winner with FC Barcelona, champion of Spain and Italy… he has left an unforgettable mark on football history through his unique talent and remains one of the most admired figures in international sport.
Now officially a member of the Barbagiuans Monaco, he expressed his “great honour” in joining such an iconic team. “I am very happy to play and support the two charities represented, but also to reunite here with so many personalities from around the world. It will be an exceptional moment, filled with friendship, solidarity and love of sport,” assures the Brazilian legend.
For Louis Ducruet, associating Ronaldinho’s image with this event is already a historic moment for the Barbagiuans Monaco. “Seeing Ronaldinho join us today is a very special moment for our team. The Barbagiuans have always been a human adventure built on passion and great encounters, but welcoming such a universal legend represents a new stage in our development. Having a player like him by our side is extraordinary,” says the delighted president of the Barbagiuans.
A Spectacular Event with Meaning
Beyond the match itself, the Racing Stars Football Cup embodies values that are dear to the Barbagiuans: solidarity and commitment. The 2026 edition will support two major charities dedicated to essential causes.
- Mercy Ships works to provide free surgical care to people in need around the world, particularly in Africa. For more than 45 years, their hospital ships — the Africa Mercy and the Global Mercy — have sailed across the globe bringing hope and healing where it is needed most.
- Les Soins de l’Espoir supports disadvantaged communities in Southeast Asia in the medical and paramedical fields, helping to finance surgeries and develop healthcare structures. This is particularly true in Vietnam, where many children suffer from heart diseases.
Stay connected to the Barbagiuans de Monaco social media channels to gradually discover the full squads of both teams and the latest stars expected to join the event…
Barbagiuans Monaco Official Website: barbagiuansmonaco.mc
