The Barbagiuans of Monaco have claimed the sixth Fight AIDS Cup title following a tense penalty shootout at Stade Louis-II, with Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc making a surprise appearance in the warm-up and opening half.
The charity match, held under the patronage of Princess Stéphanie of Monaco, brought together football legends and raised funds for Fight Aids Monaco’s work against HIV.
Leclerc joined the Barbagiuans for the opening 45 minutes before making was for the football professionals.
Penalties decide close contest
Cirque FC featured 2004 Ballon d’Or winner Andriy Shevchenko as captain, with former AC Milan colleague Marco Simone coach. The Barbagiuans were without injured Ludovic Giuly, who had to settle for a place on the bench.
The Barbagiuans took an early lead through Javier Chevanton, but Cirque FC hit back quickly when Maxime Gonalons levelled the scores at 1-1.
Both teams created opportunities throughout a competitive match, but neither could break the deadlock in normal time.
The match went to penalties, where goalkeeper Flavio Roma managed a vital save. Olivier Veigneau then stepped up to convert the decisive spot-kick and seal victory for the Barbagiuans.
Ducruet celebrates victory
Barbagiuans president and event organiser Louis Ducruet said in a pool interview with Monaco Life: “Finally, a victory. If we do it every two years, that’s good. But really, it needs to be every year. So we’re happy. We finished on penalties, but that means the match was balanced and intense. Both sides played well. It was a good match.”
This marks the second time the Barbagiuans have lifted the trophy, while Cirque FC have won on four occasions.
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Meanwhile, in an official statement, he also reflected on the evening’s importance, “This Fight AIDS Cup represents far more than a football match,” he said. “Seeing football legends come together and such strong commitment around the cause championed by Fight Aids Monaco is a tremendous source of pride. This victory is a collective one, in service of an essential cause.”
The evening concluded with a gala where ex-Chelsea and Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard was presented with the Fred Allard Trophy as best player of the match in his debut appearance.
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Main photo credit: Frédéric Nebinger / Philippe Fitte