Sportel 2024 Launch Celebrates AS Monaco Legends and New Historical Book

The 2024 edition of Sportel Monaco commenced with an illustrious event at the Grimaldi Forum, featuring the unveiling of the book "Un Prince & des légendes" by Louis Ducruet, president of the Barbagiuans, alongside AS Monaco football legends. This publication chronicles the rich history of the Barbagiuans, a charitable football team initiated by Prince Albert II in 1980, which will celebrate its 45th anniversary next year. The team is renowned for its dedication to philanthropic causes significant to the Principality of Monaco and for fostering a spirit of sportsmanship and community among AS Monaco veterans.

During the book presentation, football luminaries such as Ludovic Giuly, Marco Simone, Alfred Vitalis, Claude Puel, and Andrea Raggi shared their personal stories and connections with the Barbagiuans. Giuly emphasized the continuation of camaraderie and legacy from their time at AS Monaco through their involvement with the Barbagiuans, underscoring the ongoing impact these veterans have within Monaco's sporting and charitable landscape.

The event also set the stage for the upcoming Fight Aids Cup, an annual charity football match organized by the Barbagiuans to benefit Fight Aids Monaco. With the match slated for January, Ducruet hinted at new features for this edition, where they will face their traditional rivals, Cirque FC, led by Princess Stéphanie. This gathering not only highlighted Monaco's enduring commitment to sports and charity but also kicked off Sportel’s prestigious series of events, reinforcing the Principality’s deep-rooted connection to these sectors.