Though the full lineup for the upcoming fifth edition of the Fight Aids Cup is yet to be revealed, it has been confirmed that the legendary Patrice Evra, who played for AS Monaco in the early 2000s, will be among the big-name stars to hit the pitch later this month. In addition to its focus on raising important funds for Fight Aids Monaco, this year’s charity event will pay tribute to Jean Petit, a Monaco football legend and key figure of the Barbagiuans, who passed away shortly after the 2024 match.
The fifth edition of the Fight Aids Cup will take place on Wednesday 22nd January, from 5.30pm in Monaco’s Stade Louis II. Organised in support of Fight Aids Monaco, an association founded and chaired by Princess Stéphanie of Monaco, the younger sister of Prince Albert II of Monaco and the mother of Louis Ducruet, the current president of the local Barbagiuans side, the charity football match will see the Barbagiuans face off against Cirque FC in what has become an annual tradition loved by fans, whether they are keen football fanatics or simply there for the fun of the event.
This year’s game will have some poignancy too. The event is being held in memory of Jean Petit, a footballing icon in the Principality and a long-time supporter and feature of the Barbagiuans. He passed away on 23rd January 2024 at the age of 74.
In tribute to Petit, there will be a symbolic kick-off by members of his family, a minute of applause, and the presentation of a new Jeannot Petit trophy to the top Barbagiuans player of the evening by Prince Albert II and Ducruet.
New faces and familiar names
The team organising the event haven’t given much away about the 2025 player lineup but promise that it will be a mix of former professional players and prominent figures from the sporting world.
Among them is Patrice Evra, the retired French international and former AS Monaco player, who will also serve as the first official sponsor of the event. Known for his work supporting charitable causes, Evra has said he is honoured to participate.
“Monaco is my home,” he said, adding, “It’s a privilege to give back through an event that combines sport and a meaningful cause.”
Meanwhile, French international and 1998 World Cup winner Christian Karembeu will be playing for Cirque FC. This will mark his first time playing in the Fight Aids Cup.
Speaking about the event, Karembeu stated, “It’s about more than football—it’s about solidarity and improving lives.”
Becoming a tradition
Since its inception, the Fight Aids Cup has grown into a flagship event for the association, combining sport with a platform to raise awareness about HIV and funds for critical initiatives.
Speaking about the upcoming event, Ducruet said, “Expectations are high this year, but we are determined to continue delivering an evening that resonates both on and off the pitch.”
Christophe Glasser, the director of Fight Aids Monaco, added, “The Fight Aids Cup is not just a football match; it’s a powerful symbol of hope and inclusion for people living with HIV.”
Tickets for the Fight Aids Cup are available now, with proceeds going directly to Fight Aids Monaco’s ongoing efforts. For more information, click here.
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Photo of the Barbagiuans from 2024, source: Fight Aids Monaco