Monaco’s international day celebrations at Osaka World Expo 2025 will kick off with a star-studded football gala as the United through Legends match brings together international football icons. Set to take place on Friday 27th June at the Panasonic Stadium Suita in Osaka, in Japan, the event will see the Barbagiuans de Monaco face the Japan All Star Team.

Organised under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II, the match represents another chapter in Monaco’s ongoing relationship with Japan. Prince Albert II, who will be attending the event, continuously highlightes the importance of strengthening relationships between the Principality and Japan, with sport serving as a universal bonding language. 

Louis Ducruet, President of the Barbagiuans, has assembled an impressive lineup of international football legends to represent Monaco, including Robert Pirès, Ludovic Giuly, Marcel Desailly, Rivaldo, Clarence Seedorf, Emmanuel Adebayor, and Patrice Evra.

The Japanese team will showcase local heroes and celebrated talents with confirmed participants including Daisuke Matsui, Shoji Jo, Hisato Sato, Yoshito Okubo, Takayuki Suzuki, Kazuyoshi Miura, Hidetoshi Nakata, and Keisuke Honda.

The modern Panasonic Stadium, which regularly hosts Gamba Osaka’s J1 League games, can accommodate up to 40,000 spectators who will witness this unique sporting spectacle. Beyond sporting action, the event also carries a humanitarian aspect, with all profits raised from the match and the dinner afterwards, going to Fight Aids Monaco association, led by Princess Stephanie, and several Japanese charities.

This high-profile sports event shows how Monaco combines international friendship, charity work, and cultural exchange – all while celebrating its National Day in Japan.

Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

Photo source: Monaco Government