Soccer Aid has made a spectacular return in 2025, bringing together a host of famous faces for a charity football match at the iconic Old Trafford stadium. This year, England goes head-to-head against a World XI team in an exciting fixture dedicated to supporting Unicef’s vital work around the globe.
The match took place on Sunday, June 15, and was broadcast live on ITV. Fans were treated to comprehensive coverage starting at 6pm, with presenters Dermot O’Leary and Alex Scott setting the stage from 7.30pm, ensuring audiences didn’t miss any of the key moments. The broadcast spanned four hours of prime-time entertainment on a Sunday evening, reflecting Soccer Aid’s growing popularity.
Viewers took to social media platform X, celebrating the event and commending the celebrities’ dedication. Many praised the efforts of the players who generously gave their time to play at the renowned Old Trafford ground. Notably, One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson captured attention and excitement among fans eager to see him on the pitch representing England.
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The England team was bolstered by an impressive lineup of coaches and players, including former footballer and manager Wayne Rooney, boxer Tyson Fury, ex-football manager Harry Redknapp, and actress Vicky McClure. The squad also featured personalities like Steven Bartlett from Dragons’ Den, musician Tom Grennan, and ex-footballer Gary Neville.
The World XI team was managed by legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel and featured former boxer Tony Bellew, Strictly Come Dancing’s Gorka Marquez, and ex-professional footballer Harry Kewell, ensuring a competitive contest on the field.
Earlier in the week, England player Sam Thompson had to withdraw owing to an injury sustained during a remarkable charity challenge. Thompson had embarked on a five-day journey to carry the Soccer Aid match ball 261 miles from Stamford Bridge in London to Old Trafford in Manchester, combining walking and cycling. Despite his injury, he managed to raise over £1 million for Unicef through this incredible effort.
Soccer Aid for Unicef 2025 continues to capture public imagination by blending sport, entertainment, and philanthropy in a memorable fashion, all in support of a vital cause.