Robbie Williamsxxx; Tom Hiddleston; Wayne Rooney; Damson Idris; Owen Cooper; GK Barry; Usain Bolt; Angry Ginge; Jordan North; Joe Marler; Olly Murs; Paddy McGuinness; Big Zuu; Richard Gadd; Maisie Adam and Gladiator Nitro are just some of the stellar names who will be roared on by more than 60,000 Soccer Aid for UNICEF fans at the London Stadium this May.
33 players were announced today – including nine debutants, both hosts and the match commentator – for the world’s biggest celebrity football match. This is the twentieth anniversary of the game, which has raised more than £121 million for UNICEF since the first match in 2006. Tickets are on sale for this summer’s fixture – Adults £20 and Juniors £10 – and include access to a pre-game ‘Fan Zone’.
A special twentieth anniversary extended half-time show will also be announced in due course. Previous performers include Rita Ora; Robbie Williams; Tom Grennan; Dermot Kennedy and Tom Walker. On the 60thanniversary of England’s World Cup triumph, the Three Lions are choosing to channel the spirit of ’66 by wearing the iconic white home kit from the same tournament, when they take on the Soccer Aid World XI.
UNICEF UK Ambassador Robbie Williams will manage England. He will be able to call on man-mountain Joe Marler as his celebrity goalkeeper. The Traitors star will share the gloves with Paddy McGuinness who will become the record appearance holder, when he takes to the pitch. The comedian has, so far, appeared nine times. Hollywood superstar and UNICEF UK Ambassador Tom Hiddleston is back – and vowing to pass the ball to a professional, as soon as he is in possession!
Wayne Rooney – one of England’s greatest-ever players – will provide on-pitch leadership and skill, bringing together more debutants in the shape of 16-year-old Owen Cooper, star of Netflix’s Adolescence. Cooper was not even born when the first Soccer Aid took place in 2006!
Star of the F1 film, Damson Idris is the third star actor to sign-up. The Londoner – who dreamed of becoming a professional footballer – is relishing taking to the pitch with footballers he grew-up supporting.
GK Barry is taking tips from her footballer partner Ella Rutherford, who plays for Portsmouth FC, but has admitted her lack of football prowess might mean she ends up embarrassing herself in the name of charity!
There is an I’m a Celeb theme too, with Jordan North also playing for the first time. The Burnley fan will be hoping to form a powerhouse partnership with fellow northerner Angry Ginge – who was the 2025 Player of the Match.