On January 22, 2025, the Stade Louis II will once again host the Fight AIDS Cup, an annual charity football match that has grown into one of Monaco’s most eagerly awaited events. Now celebrating its fifth anniversary, the Fight AIDS Cup is not just about football. It is a symbol of hope, unity, and the relentless fight against HIV/AIDS, brought to life by the remarkable efforts of H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie and the Fight AIDS Monaco association. With a stellar lineup of football icons, it promises to be a memorable evening that goes far beyond the pitch.
The Fight AIDS Cup has become more than a charity match; it has evolved into a flagship event that captures the hearts of the Monegasque people and fans from across the globe. From its inaugural edition, the event has been dedicated to raising awareness and funds for those affected by HIV, while honoring the legacy of individuals who have made a lasting impact both on and off the field. This year, the match will be held in tribute to the late Jean Petit, a Monegasque football legend and beloved member of the Barbagiuans, a team that embodies the spirit of friendship and solidarity within Monaco’s sporting community.
Louis Ducruet, President of the Barbagiuans of Monaco, reflects on the Fight AIDS Cup’s incredible journey: “With the undeniable success of the first four editions, expectations are high and legitimate. We’ve reached a milestone, but there’s so much more to do. This event is not only about celebrating how far we’ve come, but also about looking ahead to new opportunities, expanding the event’s reach, and involving more people in the fight against HIV.” The Fight AIDS Cup, he notes, is more than a football match—it’s a celebration of life, hope, and generosity.
In this milestone year, the stakes are higher than ever. A five-star cast of footballing greats will take to the pitch, rekindling the passion of past generations while inspiring new ones. While many of the players have long since retired from the professional game, their commitment to the cause is as strong as ever. The game will showcase a blend of familiar faces and fresh talents, with the Barbagiuans and Cirque FC facing off in a match brimming with emotion, nostalgia, and pride.
For those who grew up watching football in the 2000s, seeing figures like Patrice Evra and Christian Karembeu back on the pitch is sure to stir memories of some of the most glorious moments in football history. Evra, now a global ambassador for various humanitarian causes, has made no secret of his admiration for the event. “When sport and a good cause come together, I’m all in,” he says, reflecting on his support for Fight AIDS Monaco. For Evra, the Fight AIDS Cuprepresents a chance to use his platform and his influence to make a difference. “I’ve received so much in my life. Now, it’s about giving back,” he adds, his words resonating with the values of generosity and solidarity that define the event.
Evra, who played a pivotal role in the French national team’s success in the 2000s, will return to Monaco with a special sense of gratitude and purpose. He recalls the early days of his career, where Monaco provided the platform for his rise to prominence. “Monaco is my home,” he says. “It’s where I made my name. I’ll always have a red and white heart, and I’m honored to be part of this event.”
For Karembeu, another World Cup-winning legend, this will be his first appearance at the Fight AIDS Cup, but his commitment to the cause is unwavering. “It’s important to continue raising awareness and finding solutions for people living with HIV,” he states, acknowledging the importance of events like these in driving change. His participation in the match underscores the continuing relevance of the fight against AIDS and the role sport can play in spreading messages of hope and solidarity.
Beyond the match itself, the evening will be a celebration of life and legacy. The event will pay tribute to Jean Petit, whose sudden passing last year left a void in the hearts of all who knew him. A fixture of the Barbagiuans, Petit embodied the spirit of the team—generous, loyal, and full of joy. H.S.H. Prince Albert II has expressed his heartfelt tribute, saying, “Jeannot was the perfect embodiment of who we are. His generosity, his smile, and his loyalty to the Barbagiuans will never be forgotten.”
The evening will feature a series of tributes, including a special trophy in Petit’s honor, awarded to the best Barbagiuans player. It is a fitting recognition of a man whose legacy continues to inspire all who were fortunate enough to share the pitch with him.
As the Fight AIDS Cup continues to grow in stature and significance, its impact extends far beyond the boundaries of football. “This event is a symbol of hope, of the power of solidarity,” says Christophe Glasser, Director of Fight AIDS Monaco. “It’s a rallying cry for inclusion, for understanding, and for supporting those who need it most.” The Fight AIDS Cup not only brings together sporting legends from across the globe, but it also raises vital funds for the association’s crucial work in combatting HIV/AIDS.
The 5th edition of the Fight AIDS Cup will be a testament to the enduring power of sport to bring people together for a cause that transcends the game. As the teams take to the field on January 22, they will do so not only to win, but to send a powerful message of solidarity, compassion, and hope to those affected by HIV.
So, as the kick-off draws nearer, one thing is certain: this is an evening you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a fan of football or simply someone who believes in the power of charity, the Fight AIDS Cup promises to be a celebration that will leave a lasting impact, both on the pitch and in the hearts of all who are fortunate enough to witness it.
Kick-off: 5:30 p.m. at the Stade Louis II. Be there.