The Barbagiuans of Monaco claimed victory at the sixth edition of the Fight Aids Cup on Saturday, January 24, capping an emotional evening of football and solidarity at the Stade Louis-II, staged under the High Patronage of Princess Stéphanie, President and Founder of Fight Aids Monaco. All proceeds from the event will support the association’s ongoing work in the fight against HIV.
Organised by Louis Ducruet alongside the Barbagiuans, the charity fixture has become a firm fixture on Monaco’s sporting calendar, held each year alongside the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo. Once again, a constellation of former world-class players took to the pitch at the Stade Louis-II, drawing a large and enthusiastic crowd.
This year’s contest pitted the Barbagiuans against Cirque FC, captained by Ballon d’Or winner Andriy Shevchenko and coached by Marco Simone. The Barbagiuans were directed from the touchline by Ludovic Giuly, sidelined through injury but fully involved in the evening from the bench.
The match itself delivered on drama. Javier Chevanton opened the scoring early for the Barbagiuans, only for Cirque FC to respond swiftly through Maxime Gonalons. With chances flowing at both ends and the intensity never dipping, neither side could find a decisive goal in regulation time, forcing the match to be settled by penalties after a 1–1 draw.
The shoot-out proved long and nerve-wracking. Goalkeeper Flavio Roma emerged as the hero with a crucial save before Olivier Veigneau calmly converted the decisive penalty, sealing a hard-fought win for the Barbagiuans. It marked their second triumph in the competition’s history, following four previous victories by Cirque FC, and ensures they will return as defending champions in 2027.
The evening concluded with the traditional gala presentation, including the Jeannot Petit Trophy—awarded in memory of the late Jean Petit—to Eden Hazard. Making his first appearance in the Fight Aids Cup, the former Belgian international impressed throughout and received a warm ovation from the Monaco crowd.
With packed stands, a prestigious line-up and a powerful charitable message, the sixth Fight Aids Cup once again underlined the growing impact of the event. For six years, the Barbagiuans of Monaco have combined sport and solidarity in support of Fight Aids Monaco—an approach that continues to resonate far beyond the final whistle.
