Soccer meets Formula 1: Monaco launches the first official “Racing Stars Football Cup” before the GP

In a high-octane fusion of soccer and motorsport, Monaco is gearing up for the inaugural Racing Stars Football Cup, which takes place on Wednesday May 21 at 3:00 pm at Stade Louis II – just days before the main event hosts the world’s most glamorous race, the Monaco Grand Prix. Reviving a beloved 30-year tradition, this refreshed gala match is led by Louis Ducruet and Monaco’s Barbagiuans, under the lofty patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II.

Now in its first official edition, the event brings together stars of the track and field in support of two causes close to Monaco’s heart: the Jules Bianchi Association and Be Safe Monaco. The match is a tribute to the late Formula 1 driver Jules Bianchi and supports brain injury care at the Archet Hospital in Nice. It also helps raise awareness of road safety, a mission championed by Camille Gottlieb – Princess Stéphanie’s daughter – through her association Être en sécurité Monaco.

On the field, spectators can expect an eclectic, star-studded line-up. From the world of motorsport, F1 drivers Pierre Gasly, Carlos Sainz and Isack Hadjar will trade helmets for boots, joined by WRC’s Thierry Neuville. They’ll be teaming up with soccer greats Ludovic Giuly, Flavio Roma, Javier Chevanton and the formidable defensive duo of Gaël Givet and Sébastien Squillaci. Olympic judo legend Teddy Riner and the French MMA star are best known as the “God of War”.

The event isn’t just for sports purists – celebrities from the worlds of music, comedy and fashion are also getting in on the action. Singer Matt Pokora, comedians Paul Mirabel and Ragnar Le Breton, and model Baptiste Giabiconi will all bring extra flair to the field.

“This is also what Barbagiuans are all about,” said Ducruet, the association’s president since 2020. “We want to innovate and open our doors to elite athletes from all disciplines. This is part of our evolution.” For Ducruet, who has long participated in the match and credits playing alongside his uncle HSH Prince Albert II as cherished memory, leading this revival is personal. “This match has always meant something. Now it’s our turn to make it even bigger.”

Event ambassador Mika Häkkinen – Formula 1 world champion in time and Monaco GP winner – is both star-studded power and sentiment. “This event is special. It brings people together across sports, generations and passions,” he said. “And it supports two incredibly meaningful causes. I’m honored to be involved.”

Mauro Serra’s family, who originally helped establish the match decades ago, gave their full support to the Barbagiuans’ new vision. “We’re proud to see the tradition live on in the same spirit of camaraderie and charity that drove our father,” said his children Shauna and James.

Adult admission is 10 euros, while children can attend the event for five euros. Book online here.

Source Article : https://www.asmfc.com/le-football-rencontre-la-formule-1-monaco-lance-le-premier-officiel-de-la-coupe-de-football-des-racing-stars-avant-gp-15695/