The Principality is preparing to come alive to the rhythm of one of the key sporting and charitable events on its calendar. The FIGHT AIDS CUP returns for its sixth edition on Saturday, January 24th at 3:30 p.m., once again at Stade Louis II, as part of the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival.
Several football legends will take part in this prestigious match, true to local tradition. The Barbagiuans will once again face the Cirque FC in a spirit that is at once sporting, festive and charitable, the very essence of the event since its creation.
Andriy Shevchenko, Eden Hazard, Clarence Seedorf, Christian Karembeu, Bafétimbi Gomis and Youri Djorkaeff…
Alongside Louis Ducruet, President of the Barbagiuans of Monaco and organizer of the event, numerous international football legends will step onto the pitch at Stade Louis II, split between the two teams. This sixth edition confirms the FIGHT AIDS CUP’s status as a major fixture in the Principality, benefiting FIGHT AIDS MONACO, the association founded and chaired by H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie, who has been committed to the fight against HIV for over twenty years.
As every year, spectators at Stade Louis II will enjoy an exceptional line-up, featuring both familiar faces and new arrivals. Historically composed exclusively of former players who represented Monaco, the Barbagiuans reached a new milestone in 2025. The team now welcomes major international names, allowing them to join the adventure and wear this unique jersey so dear to the Princely Family.
“This was one of our key development objectives. We can be proud to see, event after event, how the squad continues to grow and how the values embodied by the Barbagiuans resonate with players beyond Monaco,” says Louis Ducruet, who will soon celebrate his sixth year as president.
“It is also about raising public awareness on a broader scale and expanding our scope of action, thanks in particular to the diversity of legendary players who represent us today. This concept is meant to endure, and the upcoming FIGHT AIDS CUP will help strengthen our approach to integrating new members into the great Barbagiuans family,” he adds.
Fans will notably have the opportunity to see Eden Hazard, the recently retired Belgian international, make his very first appearance in this gala match, as well as Bafétimbi Gomis. The event will also count on its loyal regulars, such as Robert Pirès and Ludovic Giuly. On the pitch, they will all be teammates of Louis Ducruet, captain of the Barbagiuans of Monaco.
Cirque FC with an Italian flair… Andriy Shevchenko as captain
For this sixth edition, Cirque FC will feature a strong Italian influence, with numerous former players who have marked the history of the major championships. This aims to strengthen the ties between the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival and the Italian public, which is particularly attached to the event and, more broadly, to the Principality’s initiatives in support of essential values.
This FIGHT AIDS CUP will notably welcome Andriy Shevchenko, who will wear the captain’s armband for Cirque FC. Ballon d’Or winner in 2004 and Champions League winner with AC Milan in 2003, the President of the Ukrainian Football Association will be taking part for the first time, in a role that is especially close to his heart.
“I was invited by the Princely Family to take part in this major event. It is a true honor to support them in their efforts to raise awareness in the fight against HIV and to help people in need,” says Andriy Shevchenko.
“Representing the team of H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie is a great source of pride. I have organized and participated in many charity matches, so I fully understand the fundamental stakes and the responsibilities entrusted to me.”
Deeply committed to the values of solidarity, the former striker hopes his presence at the FIGHT AIDS CUP will help amplify a message that has been promoted in the Principality for over 20 years…
A sporting trend to reverse
On the pitch, the sporting challenge is very real. The friendly rivalry between H.S.H. Prince Albert II and H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie continues year after year. The record is clear: four victories for Cirque FC, and only one for the Barbagiuans across the first five editions. For Louis Ducruet and his players, the objective is clear: to restore positive momentum by winning the 2026 FIGHT AIDS CUP.
“We tasted victory in 2022, and I must say it was a wonderful memory!” he smiles. “With so many legends on the field, high-level habits return as soon as the match kicks off, and there is a real game to be played — one everyone wants to win. We will do everything we can to ensure the Barbagiuans come out on top, and above all, to avoid being teased for another year (laughs).”
Facing them, Andriy Shevchenko intends to help H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie retain a trophy that symbolizes both the strong ties between the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival and FIGHT AIDS MONACO (of which she is president), and the strength of the fight led by her association.
“Every match generates enthusiasm and a desire to win, and I am delighted to let my competitive spirit still very much alive, shine through,” says the Cirque FC captain, before adding: “The true victory does not lie in the final score, but in the funds raised for a worthy cause. I hope this collective effort will help us reach the expected results.”
Barbagiuans, leading donors to FIGHT AIDS MONACO
Through five editions of the FIGHT AIDS CUP and other initiatives, the Barbagiuans have surpassed the symbolic milestone of one million euros donated to FIGHT AIDS MONACO, becoming the association’s leading donor.
“The FIGHT AIDS CUP represents far more than a sporting event; it embodies a faithful and sincere commitment, carried by an entire community — that of the Barbagiuans,” says Christophe Glasser, director of FIGHT AIDS MONACO.
“The regular presence of football legends demonstrates their unwavering support for the cause we defend.” Aware of the event’s impact on the association, Christophe Glasser adds: “Driven by Louis Ducruet, this January tradition offers support that goes beyond the financial aspect. It is moral, symbolic and human. It strengthens our actions and reminds us how collective commitment can have a concrete and lasting impact.”
The match will be broadcast live on TV MONACO (tvmonaco.com) at 3:30 p.m., as well as on TV MONACO’s YouTube channel.
On January 24th, Stade Louis II will host an event where football rediscovers its true meaning: bringing people together, passing on values, and taking action. A prestigious fixture, a powerful message, and an essential cause.
