The Fight AIDS Cup charity match, organised by Louis Ducruet and Romain Goiran, is returning for a second edition, pitting Prince Albert’s Barbagiuans against Princess Stephanie’s Circus Football Club.

“In the first year after the creation of this match, only our team was reinforced by former professional players. We had to allow Circus FC to do the same, in order to attract more public and sponsors,” said Louis Ducruet, president of the Barbagiuans.

“This year again, the legends of football have responded, on both sides. We have the unconditional support of all these players and especially Sébastien Frey, captain of Circus FC, who facilitated the arrival of some of his friends. We are delighted.”

The charity football match will be held on 24th January and will be hosted by, amongst others, former Bien Sports journalist Alexandre Ruiz, who will keep fans abreast of the action on the pitch as well as review former glories of local and international football.

The Fight AIDS Cup is an extension of the historical match between the Barbagiuans and Circus FC that has been ongoing for over 40 years. The new name has created a direct link between sport and charitable values in the Principality.

“With my partner Romain Goiran, who is a child of the Barbagiuans, we decided to formalise this match to help my mother’s association, Fight AIDS Monaco. When this event took place at the Cap d’Ail stadium, on the sly with the Circus Festival, big names in football were already invited. We found it a shame not to share the potential of such a sporting event with charity,” Ducruet added.

The 2020 version attracted some big names including several former AS Monaco players. In addition to Sébastien Squillaci, Didier Deschamps, Gaël Givet, Andrea Raggi and Manuel Dos Santos, the fans particularly appreciated seeing Ludovic Giuly on the field.

The triumph of the last event puts the pressure on to make sure this year’s is equally thrilling and well-received.

Photo source: Fight AIDS Monaco