History, football, and solidarity came together under the floodlights of Osaka’s Panasonic Stadium as His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco joined Japanese star and AS Monaco player Takumi Minamino to kick off the much-anticipated “United Through Legends” charity match on the evening of Friday, June 27. The symbolic gesture marked the beginning of a groundbreaking evening that took Monaco’s famous Barbagiuans beyond European borders for the first time.
The exhibition match, held as part of Monaco’s National Day celebrations at Expo 2025 Osaka, saw the Barbagiuans face a squad of former Japanese international football greats. This wasn’t just another game — it was a cultural milestone and a moment of pride for Louis Ducruet, President of the Barbagiuans and honorary commissioner of the Monaco Pavilion. For Ducruet, whose ties to Japan run deep, the event celebrated the enduring friendship between the Principality and Japan.
The pitch was packed with football royalty. French legends including Marcel Desailly, Robert Pires, Patrice Evra, Ludovic Giuly, and Gaël Givet lined up against their Japanese counterparts in front of an enthusiastic crowd. The game itself didn’t disappoint. Japan came out strong, holding a 3–2 lead at halftime with goals from Pires and Evra keeping the Barbagiuans in contention.
But true to their resilient spirit, the Barbagiuans staged a second-half comeback. Gaël Givet capitalised on a defensive error to equalise late in the game, before Serge Gakpé sealed a thrilling 4–3 victory in the final minutes — all under the proud gaze of Prince Albert II and Princess Stéphanie.
Yet the real victory went beyond the scoreboard. Proceeds from the match will benefit Fight Aids Monaco and Japanese organisations providing relief to victims of the Noto earthquake.
“This was more than just football,” said Louis Ducruet. “It was about friendship, solidarity, and pushing boundaries — literally and figuratively. Japan has always held a special place in my heart, so it was only fitting that Osaka became our first international step.”
For the players, it was a chance to give back and relive their glory days. Marcel Desailly praised the atmosphere and the charitable mission, while Robert Pires reflected on the camaraderie and importance of supporting a worthy cause. Ludovic Giuly, whose company Goatsiders helped organise the event, summed it up: “Seeing the Sovereign and the Princely Family proud, and the Japanese fans so welcoming — that’s what it’s all about.”
The Barbagiuans’ first international fixture was not just a success, but a statement — that football, friendship, and goodwill know no borders. And judging by the smiles in Osaka, it’s only the beginning of their global journey.
