A few days before the Formula 1 Grand Prix, Racing stars football Cup, a unique football match, will bring together high-level sportsmen and international stars in the heart of the Louis-II stadium. All, for the benefit of two noble causes.
The emblematic tradition of Before Grand Prix, formerly the world Stars Football Match, is making a comeback in the Principality under a new name. The Barbagiuans of Monaco organize the first edition of the “Racing Stars Football Cup”, a charity event that promises to vibrate the Louis-II stadium on Wednesday May 21 at 3 p.m.
This meeting, placed under the high patronage of Prince Albert II, relaunches a tradition of more than three decades, now carried by the son of Princess Stéphanie, Louis Ducruet.
An exceptional casting that mixes universes
Pierre Gasly, Carlos Sainz, Isack Hadjar, Thierry Neuville… The great figures of motorsport and champions of F1, F2, or even F3 will constitute the team of the Nazional Piloti and will face the regulars of Barbagiuans like Ludovic Giuly, Flavio Roma, Javier Chevanton or the central hinge Givet – Sébastien Squillaci.
But this 2025 edition innovates by integrating other renowned sportsmen. Teddy Riner, triple Olympic gold medalist and 11 times judo world champion, as well as the French fighter of MMA Benoît Saint Denis “God of War” will wear for the first time the prestigious jersey of the Barbagiuans.
« That’s also, Barbagiuans! It seems important to me to go off the beaten track and integrate other very high level athletes within the workforce. This is an initiative that is part of our development “Explains Louis Ducruet, club president.
The event even goes beyond the purely sporting framework with the announced participation of singer Matt Pokora, humorists Paul Mirabel and Ragnar Le Breton, or even the model Baptiste Giabiconi. “” May 21 will be a big party for all, with personalities that perfectly correspond to the values that are dear to us “Guarantees the sovereign’s nephew.
Mika Häkkinen as renowned ambassador
Double F1 world champion (1998 and 1999), Mika Häkkinen will take on the role of ambassador of this first Racing Stars Football Cup. “” I was very enthusiastic and honored when Louis Ducruet and his team offered me to take on this role which is very close to my heart, especially since the event will support this year two major causes “Said the Finnish pilot.
-Winner of the Monaco Grand Prix in 1998 and Monegasque resident, he has a particular attachment to the Principality: ” I have great memories here, especially the year of my victory. Winning this race is necessarily special for any pilot having had this privilege. It was a long time ago but I am still there and honored to be alongside the princely family to contribute to the success of this first Racing Stars Football Cup. »
The Finnish champion of course invites enthusiasts to participate in the event: ” Sport always brings together people from various backgrounds, on the grounds and among enthusiasts … in a friendly and competitive spirit, like the event. It is a real opportunity for fans who will be present to have a moment near their idols. »
A match in the service of a good cause
True to their principles, the Barbagiuans of Monaco continue their charitable actions by supporting two associations during this 2025 edition.
Ten years after the tragic accident having cost the life of the Jules Bianchi pilot, the association founded on his behalf by his father Philippe Bianchi will be one of the beneficiaries of the funds raised. “” Since the disappearance of Jules on July 17, 2015, we have decided, with his mother and my children, to found an association in his tribute and carry out actions, mainly intended to support the hospital in Nice and more specifically the injured cerebral service, where Jules was hospitalized for eight months “Explains Mr. Bianchi.
Also supported by the event, the Be Safe Monaco association, founded by Camille Gottlieb, daughter of Princess Stéphanie, works to raise awareness of the dangers of alcohol driving. “” The presence of personalities in particular from motorsport is necessarily beneficial for the scope of our claims. Being associated with such an event is an honor, this strengthens the fact that the message transmitted by the association is legitimate “, Underlines the president of the association.
For Louis Ducruet, these choices naturally register in the values of the Barbagiuans: ” Supporting charitable values is in our genes, my family is very involved. This has always been part of the functioning of the Barbagiuans. The two associations are perfectly suitable for the spirit of Racing Stars Football Cup, with both a direct but different attachment to the automobile. »
Practical information:
- Dates: Mercredi 21 Never 2025
- Place : 7 Av. of the Castilians – Louis-II Stadium – 98000 Monaco
- Hours: from 3 p.m.
- Price: from 5 euros, online reservations on the official ticket office
