Sportel’s 2024 edition opened with a star-studded celebration as AS Monaco legends and Louis Ducruet, president of the Barbagiuans, presented the newly published book Un Prince & des légendes at the Grimaldi Forum on Sunday…
This book honors the storied history of the Barbagiuans, the charity football team founded by Prince Albert II in 1980. The team, which marks its 45th anniversary next year, has long championed causes close to Monaco’s heart and maintains a strong legacy of camaraderie and sportsmanship among AS Monaco veterans.
Football icons Ludovic Giuly, Marco Simone, Alfred Vitalis, Claude Puel, and Andrea Raggi joined Ducruet for the book presentation, each recounting moments of their careers and personal connections with the Barbagiuans. For these former players, the Barbagiuans offer a chance to continue the team spirit that marked their days at AS Monaco, as Giuly reflected, “Playing for ASM was a privilege, and being part of the Barbagiuans allows us to continue that story.”
Un Prince & des légendes captures anecdotes from different eras, shared by the likes of Jean Petit, Sébastien Squillaci, Delio Onnis, and even Arsène Wenger. Giuly humorously recalled that Ducruet, a fan from early on, made him “lose a jersey” every time they crossed paths in the locker room.
The event also teased highlights for the upcoming Fight Aids Cup, the Barbagiuans’ annual charity match supporting Fight Aids Monaco. This January’s event promises fresh updates, as Ducruet noted, “There will be new things.” With Princess Stéphanie’s team, Cirque FC, as their classic rivals, the Barbagiuans continue to bring Monaco’s community together for a noble cause.
The gathering was the perfect start to Sportel’s prestigious lineup, celebrating Monaco’s deep ties to sports, charity, and camaraderie.