Monaco’s Grand Prix festivities will get an early kick-off this year as the Racing Stars Football Cup returns to Stade Louis II on Wednesday, June 3, bringing together Formula 1 drivers, football icons and celebrity personalities for a high-profile charity match organised by the Barbagiuans de Monaco.
Now firmly re-established as one of the standout curtain-raisers to Formula 1 week in the Principality, the event will once again pit the Barbagiuans against the Nazionale Piloti in a spectacle blending sport, entertainment and philanthropy.The headline attraction for the 2026 edition is the arrival of Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho, who will wear the Barbagiuans shirt in what organisers are describing as one of the biggest moments in the event’s recent history. The former Ballon d’Or winner and World Cup champion is expected to draw huge crowds to the stadium alongside a cast of athletes and celebrities from across the sporting world.The event is being led by Louis Ducruet, who has overseen the revival and expansion of the fixture since its return last year. Speaking ahead of the match, Ducruet described the tournament as a celebration of “sport, solidarity and emotion” that has become deeply woven into Monaco’s Grand Prix atmosphere.Legendary racing driver Jacky Ickx will serve as ambassador for this year’s edition, succeeding two-time Formula 1 world champion Mika Häkkinen in the honorary role. Ickx, one of motorsport’s most respected figures and a multiple Le Mans winner, said the event perfectly reflects Monaco’s international prestige while supporting meaningful causes.Alongside Ronaldinho, the growing list of confirmed participants includes Formula 2 drivers Luke Browning and Oliver Goethe, former Juventus and Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci, as well as personalities from entertainment and social media. Former AS Monaco stars Ludovic Giuly and Flavio Roma are also expected to feature for the Barbagiuans.The organisers are aiming to build on the momentum of last year’s successful revival, which attracted a packed crowd and widespread international attention. This year’s edition promises an even bigger production, with further guest announcements still expected in the coming weeks.Beyond the spectacle, the Racing Stars Football Cup maintains a strong charitable mission. Proceeds from the event will support Mercy Ships, which operates hospital ships delivering free surgeries in developing countries, and Les Soins de l’Espoir, a Monaco-based charity helping fund medical care and healthcare infrastructure projects in Southeast Asia.With football royalty, racing stars and Monaco’s Grand Prix glamour all converging in one venue, the Racing Stars Football Cup is rapidly becoming one of the Principality’s signature sporting events beyond the Formula 1 circuit itself.