The Barbagiuans of Monaco kicked off their first-ever international match at Panasonic Stadium, Osaka, marking a memorable moment in the club’s 40-year history. Prince Albert II and Japanese star Takumi Minamino — Monaco’s forward turned ambassador — started the game in an exciting spectacle titled ‘United Through Legends’.
For the first time, under the leadership of Louis Ducruet, the Barbagiuans ventured beyond Monaco’s shores. Ducruet, who also serves as honorary commissioner of the Monaco Pavilion at Expo 2025, spoke of “the long-standing friendship between the Principality and Japan”.
The match brought together football greats such as Marcel Desailly, Robert Pires, Patrice Evra, and Ludovic Giuly, against a formidable squad of former Japanese internationals.
The opening half was a thrilling back-and-forth. Japan struck first and led 3–2 at halftime, despite goals from Pires and a penalty conversion by Evra.
But in the second half, Monaco’s legends rallied. Gaël Givet — recalling his dramatic 2004 Champions League run — scored a late equaliser, and in the dying minutes Serge Gakpé sealed the 4–3 win.
The final whistle saw the Princely Family and Monaco delegation erupt in joy.
Beyond football, the event captured the spirit of solidarity. “Combining sport and charity… we came for the cause,” said Robert Pires, while Marcel Desailly added that the atmosphere and energy from the stadium were “truly special”.
Proceeds from the match will support both Fight Aids Monaco and relief efforts for victims of the recent earthquake in Noto, Japan.
“I’ve been a big fan of Japan since I was a child,” said Louis Ducruet. “I developed a deep admiration for the country, its culture, and its identity. With the Barbagiuans, I wanted us to take action abroad. Osaka became our first experience — the connection was clear. It was a major challenge, far from our usual surroundings, but one that we rose to with success.”
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All photos credit: Stéphane Danna, Government Communications Department
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