
The Racing Stars Football Cup 2026 is set to return to the Principality of Monaco with an edition promising world-class entertainment, sport and solidarity. The event will take place on Wednesday, June 3 at 3:30 PM at the Stade Louis II, officially launching the week of the Grand Prix de Monaco.
Organized by the Barbagiuans Monaco and led by president Louis Ducruet, the gala match will bring together major figures from sport, entertainment and international media for a charity event with global appeal.
Among the most anticipated guests is Brazilian football icon Ronaldinho, who will wear the Barbagiuans jersey in what is expected to be the most prestigious edition yet.
The announcement of Ronaldinho’s participation marks a historic moment for the event. Winner of the 2005 Ballon d’Or, FIFA World Cup champion with Brazil in 2002 and UEFA Champions League winner with FC Barcelona, the legendary playmaker will be the headline attraction of the 2026 edition.
Ronaldinho expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Barbagiuans Monaco, highlighting the unique connection between sport, solidarity and his passion for Formula 1. His appearance at Stade Louis II will give fans the rare opportunity to watch one of football’s greatest legends live in Monaco.
According to Louis Ducruet, welcoming Ronaldinho represents “a historic moment” for the Barbagiuans and confirms the growing international profile of the event.
The match will feature the Barbagiuans facing the Nazionale Piloti, the famous team made up of professional racing drivers and motorsport personalities.
Confirmed participants include Formula 1 drivers Carlos Sainz Jr. and Pierre Gasly, as well as young talents Luke Browning and Oliver Goethe. Former Italian defender Leonardo Bonucci, legend of Juventus FC, will also take part.
The event will also welcome celebrities including Nikos Aliagas, Paul Mirabel and Paul de Saint Sernin.
The Barbagiuans squad will feature former football stars such as Ludovic Giuly and Flavio Roma, alongside influencer Tibo InShape, model Baptiste Giabiconi and DJ Yann Muller.
The presence of motorsport legend Jacky Ickx as official ambassador adds even more prestige to the event.
A multiple winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Ickx succeeds Mika Häkkinen, who held the role in 2025.
The Belgian champion praised the charitable and human dimension of the initiative and highlighted Louis Ducruet’s commitment to developing an event that combines sport, entertainment and solidarity.
Beyond the football spectacle, the Racing Stars Football Cup 2026 aims to support two major humanitarian organizations.
The first is Mercy Ships, an international charity providing free surgeries through hospital ships operating mainly in Africa for more than 45 years.
The second is Les Soins de l’Espoir Monaco, which supports disadvantaged communities in Southeast Asia by funding surgeries and developing healthcare structures, particularly for children with heart diseases in Vietnam.
Fans can find more information on the official Barbagiuans Monaco website and purchase tickets through the official online ticket office.
The Racing Stars Football Cup continues to establish itself as one of the highlights of Monaco Grand Prix week, bringing together football, Formula 1, entertainment and charity in one spectacular international event.
