On Wednesday, May 21st, 2025, at 3:00 PM, the iconic Stade Louis II will come alive with an extraordinary blend of football and motorsport legends for the inaugural Racing Stars Football Cup. Held on the sidelines of the 2025 Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix, this gala match revives a tradition spanning over three decades. Organized by the Barbagiuans of Monaco under the leadership of Louis Ducruet, the event is held under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II and supports the Jules Bianchi Association and Be Safe Monaco.
A Star-Studded Lineup of Motorsport and Sporting Icons
The Racing Stars Football Cup brings together an impressive roster of motorsport stars, including Pierre Gasly, Carlos Sainz, Isack Hadjar, and Thierry Neuville, who will trade their racing helmets for football boots. Joining them are football legends like Ludovic Giuly, Flavio Roma, Javier Chevanton, and the defensive duo Gaël Givet and Sébastien Squillaci.
This year, the event expands its horizons by welcoming elite athletes from other disciplines. French MMA fighter Benoît Saint Denis, known as the “God of War,” will don the prestigious Barbagiuans jersey for the first time. Adding to the excitement, singer Matt Pokora, comedians Paul Mirabel and Ragnar Le Breton, and model Baptiste Giabiconi will also take part, ensuring a vibrant celebration for all.
“This is also what the Barbagiuans are about!” says Louis Ducruet with a smile. “I believe it’s important to break new ground and welcome other elite athletes into our squad. It’s a step in line with our growth strategy.”
A Tradition Reimagined
For over 30 years, racing drivers and former footballers have gathered before the Monaco Grand Prix for a friendly football match, fostering camaraderie and sportsmanship. This year, the Barbagiuans of Monaco, founded by H.S.H. Prince Albert II and chaired by Louis Ducruet since 2020, have reimagined the event as the Racing Stars Football Cup.
A passionate fan of both Formula 1 and football, Ducruet has fond memories of playing in the match alongside his uncle, Prince Albert II. “I’ve always had a great time,” he recalls. “Now, I’m honoured to lead the Barbagiuans in the revival of this tradition.” The event builds on the legacy of Mauro Serra, the original mastermind behind the match, whose children, Shauna and James, express pride in seeing the tradition carried forward. “This event means a lot to us,” they share. “We fully trust the Barbagiuans and Louis Ducruet to carry it forward with passion, while remaining faithful to its core values of sportsmanship and solidarity.”
Mika Häkkinen: Ambassador of the Racing Stars Football Cup
Two-time Formula 1 World Champion (1998, 1999) Mika Häkkinen serves as the distinguished ambassador for this inaugural event. A Monaco Grand Prix winner in 1998 and a resident of the Principality, Häkkinen embodies the spirit of the Racing Stars Football Cup. “I was honoured and thrilled when Louis Ducruet and his team asked me to be part of this initiative, especially since the event will support two important causes,” he says.
Reflecting on his years participating in the pre-Grand Prix football match, Häkkinen adds, “Even though it’s not a race, you can’t help but get competitive! Sport brings together people from all walks of life—on the pitch and in the stands—in a friendly but competitive spirit. I strongly encourage everyone to come and be part of the celebration this year.”
Supporting Meaningful Causes
The Racing Stars Football Cup is more than a sporting spectacle—it’s a platform for philanthropy. The event supports the Jules Bianchi Association, founded by Philippe Bianchi in memory of his son, Jules, who tragically passed away following an accident at the 2015 Japanese Grand Prix. The association focuses on supporting Archet Hospital in Nice, particularly the unit for brain-injured patients where Jules was treated. “This initiative touches me deeply,” says Philippe Bianchi. “It will bring together several F1 drivers just before the Monaco Grand Prix, which was so important for Jules. I thank the Barbagiuans for their kindness and symbolic gesture.”
Also benefiting is Be Safe Monaco, founded by Camille Gottlieb, daughter of H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie, to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving. “Having personalities from the world of motorsport involved clearly helps amplify our message,” Gottlieb says. “May 21st will be a popular match, not just in Monaco—it’s a chance to raise awareness internationally.”
For Louis Ducruet, supporting these causes is intrinsic to the Barbagiuans’ mission. “Supporting charitable values is in our DNA,” he says. “Both associations are perfectly aligned with the spirit of the Racing Stars Football Cup.”
A Celebration for All
On May 21 at 3:00 p.m., Stade Louis II will transform into a stage for this unprecedented convergence. The Racing Stars Football Cup promises to captivate audiences with its unique blend of history, modernity, and star power. “The goal is to create a unique event that engages a different audience,” says Ducruet. “Given the lineup and the legends supporting us, I believe we’ve succeeded.”