Being Barbagiuans

SOME STORIES IN MONACO are written not in palaces or boardrooms, but on football pitches - stories born of tradition, family, and a shared passion for giving back. One of those stories is the Barbagiuans, a football team that means far more to me than just sport.

The Barbagiuans - a word that affectionately means “uncles” in the local dialect - were founded by my uncle, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, in the 1980s. What began as a spirited, almost folkloric team created for the joy of the game, has evolved into something far greater: a vehicle for philanthropy, camaraderie, and Monaco’s values of solidarity and generosity.

When my friend Romain Goiran and I were passed the torch in 2020, our mission was clear - to honor the legacy my uncle began, while transforming the Barbagiuans into a modern platform for good. We registered the team as an official association dedicated to organizing charity matches that raise funds for causes close to our hearts. Since then, the Barbagiuans have become one of Monaco’s most beloved symbols of sport with purpose.

The Fight Aids Cup: A rivalry with heart

One of our flagship events is the Fight Aids Cup, held every January during the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival, which is presided over by my mother, Princess Stéphanie. Traditionally played on the circus’s red clay, the match pits the Barbagiuans (the “Prince’s team”) against Cirque FC (the “Princess’ team.”)

What started more than two decades ago as a friendly contest of amateurs has blossomed into a high-profile charity match that unites celebrities, former professional players, and supporters under one banner: solidarity. Since taking the reins, Romain and I have turned the Fight Aids Cup into one of Monaco’s most successful charity events. In just five years, it has raised over one million euros for Fight Aids Monaco, the association founded and chaired by my mother.

As we prepare for the sixth edition in January 2026, we remain committed to growing this event into a global reference point for how sport can change lives.

The Racing Stars Cup: Speed meets spirit

Whereas the Fight Aids Cup is steeped in tradition, the Racing Stars Football Cup brings a modern twist. Played on the Wednesday before the Monaco Grand Prix, this match celebrates the intersection of motorsport and football - and honors Monaco’s unique place in both worlds.

Here, the Barbagiuans face off against Nazionale Piloti, a team of Formula 1 drivers and motorsport legends that has existed since the era of Michael Schumacher. Our goal was to breathe new life into this storied fixture - and we did so by blending top athletes with personalities from across the cultural spectrum: singers, actors, comedians, and influencers. The result is an unforgettable spectacle that draws a vibrant, diverse crowd.

Here, the Barbagiuans face off against Nazionale Piloti, a team of Formula 1 drivers and motorsport legends that has existed since the era of Michael Schumacher. Our goal was to breathe new life into this storied fixture - and we did so by blending top athletes with personalities from across the cultural spectrum: singers, actors, comedians, and influencers. The result is an unforgettable spectacle that draws a vibrant, diverse crowd.

Last year, the Racing Stars Cup supported Be Safe Monaco, chaired by my sister Camille Gottlieb, and the Jules Bianchi Association, honoring the beloved driver a decade after his passing. Both associations shed light on road safety and the human stories behind it - causes that resonate deeply with our community.

Beyond Monaco: A global ambition

While Monaco will always be our home, the Barbagiuans’ spirit is not confined by borders. This year, we played our first ever international match in Osaka, Japan - an experience that marked the beginning of what I hope will become a tradition. The enthusiasm we encountered abroad reaffirmed our belief that sport can transcend language and culture.

Our ambition is to play at least two international matches each year, each tied to a charitable cause in the host country. In doing so, we not only share Monaco’s values of benevolence with the world but also extend our support to associations beyond our shores.

The Future of the Barbagiuans

The Barbagiuans today are more than a football team. We are a community of volunteers, a network of former professionals and celebrities, and above all, a movement dedicated to generosity. Throughout the year, our amateur team competes in Monaco’s Challenge Rainier III, while our marquee events bring together some of the biggest names in sport and entertainment.

We continue to explore new ideas - such as the Barbagiuans Padel Cup, organised at the Tennis Padel Soleil - and remain open to collaborations that align with our mission. Our sponsors are vital partners in this journey, helping us turn matches into meaningful contributions to society. Their support has made it possible for the Barbagiuans to become one of the most financially impactful charity teams in the world.

Our vision is simple yet ambitious: to grow, to inspire, and to make a difference. If we can continue to unite people through sport - raising funds, raising awareness, and raising spirits - then the legacy of the Barbagiuans will not only endure, it will flourish.

Because in the end, football is not just about goals and glory. It’s about connection, compassion, and community. And that is the story the Barbagiuans will keep writing - one match at a time.