There was more than just motorsport on the agenda during Monaco Grand Prix week. Earlier today, at 3:30 PM local time, the Stade Louis II hosted the traditional charity football match that annually serves as a curtain-raiser to the Formula 1 weekend.
On one side was the Drivers’ Team, made up of several well-known figures from the world of motorsport along with a number of Formula 1 personalities. They faced Barbagiuans Monaco, the team founded by Prince Albert II of Monaco and now chaired by his nephew, Louis Ducruet.
As has become tradition, the event brought together major names from sport, entertainment and show business with the aim of raising funds for charitable causes. One of the most anticipated guests was former football superstar Ronaldinho.
The Drivers’ Team fielded an impressive lineup featuring Stefano Domenicali, Olie Ghote, Isack Hadjar, Giampaolo Pazzini, Enrico Chiesa, Pierre Gasly (captain), Clarence Seedorf, Kimi Antonelli, Sandro Cois, Norman Nato, Carlo Vanzini, Leonardo Bonucci, Francesco Castellacci, Yuki Tsunoda, Felipe Massa, Felipinho Massa, Ivan Capelli, Louis Prette, Mohamed Hamdy, Dario Dainelli, Antonio Giovinazzi, Carlos Sainz, Paul Aron, Riccardo Patrese, Oscar Damiani, Chris Ingram, Julien Bouron and Dorian Boccolacci.
Barbagiuans dominate the Drivers’ Team with a 6-2 victory in Monaco charity match
The match quickly became an uphill battle for the Drivers’ Team. After just one minute and 30 seconds of play, Barbagiuans Monaco had already taken the lead and rapidly established control of the game.
As the first half progressed, the home side continued to create chances and add to their tally. In the 26th minute, Carlos Sainz had an opportunity to reduce the deficit but was unable to find the back of the net. Moments later, Barbagiuans struck again to make it 4-0.
Ronaldinho was one of the standout performers, producing a moment of magic with a spectacular sombrero over Pierre Gasly before the move that led to the goal.
The Drivers’ Team finally responded in the 33rd minute when former Italy international Giampaolo Pazzini scored his side’s first goal, finishing off an assist from Carlos Sainz. A few minutes later, the Spanish driver produced an excellent individual run and found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
In the second half, the Drivers’ Team grabbed a second goal through Norman Nato, the Formula E and FIA World Endurance Championship driver, who reduced the gap further in the 58th minute.
However, Barbagiuans restored their advantage in the closing stages thanks to goals from Czech and Saint Sernin, sealing a convincing 6-2 victory.
Also present at the event were Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, although neither took to the field during the match.
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