Old Trafford is set to host another unforgettable evening of football and philanthropy as Soccer Aid 2025 returns on Sunday, 15 June. The annual charity match in aid of UNICEF UK will once again bring together footballing legends, global celebrities, and a stadium full of fans — all united by the power of sport and the shared goal of supporting vulnerable children around the world.
Founded in 2006 by Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes, Soccer Aid has become a summer staple in the UK’s fundraising calendar. Now in its 13th edition, the event has raised over £106 million, with last year’s record-breaking match alone generating £15 million for UNICEF’s global efforts.
This year’s line-up is set to be one of the most exciting yet. Blending former professional footballers, Olympic champions, and household names from music, film, and entertainment worlds, the teams will compete in the familiar England vs. World XI format. The match is officially sanctioned by The FA and remains the only mixed-gender charity football game of its kind on a global stage.
After England’s emphatic 6–3 victory at Stamford Bridge in 2024 under Frank Lampard’s leadership, they’ll be hoping to extend their dominance. But with World XI hungry for redemption, and over 74,000 fans expected to pack the “Theatre of Dreams”, the night promises high-stakes action, memorable moments, and a cause that reaches far beyond the final whistle.
Because behind every goal scored and every ticket sold is a child whose life could be changed. From vaccines and clean water to safe spaces and education, every donation supports UNICEF’s mission to protect and uplift children worldwide. Keep scrolling for everything you need to know: from kick-off time and broadcast details, to full team line-ups and how to donate.
The Match: Date, Time and Broadcast Details
Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025 will take place on Sunday, 15 June, with kick-off scheduled for 19:30 BST at Old Trafford, Manchester. The iconic stadium, home to countless historic football nights, will once again host the world’s biggest celebrity charity match.
ITV1 will broadcast the event live, with pre-coverage beginning at 18:00 BST, presented by Dermot O’Leary and former Lionesses defender Alex Scott. Viewers can also stream the full programme on ITVX. The night’s commentary will be led by Sam Matterface and Iain Stirling, with additional insight and interviews provided by Jason Manford and other special guests. Rebecca Welch will serve as the match referee, supported by assistants Natalie Aspinall, Emily Carney, and Jane Simms.
Who’s Playing for England?
This year’s England line-up is a eclectic mix of football icons and familiar faces from across entertainment and sport. Leading the side is Wayne Rooney, taking on a player-manager role, joined by a coaching team that includes heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, British actor Tom Hiddleston, former manager Harry Redknapp, Vicky McClure, and David James as goalkeeping coach.
On the pitch, the squad boasts several ex-professionals with deep roots in English football. Former internationals Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick, Jermain Defoe, Joe Hart, Jack Wilshere, Phil Jagielka, Aaron Lennon, Jill Scott, Steph Houghton, and Toni Duggan will all be donning the England shirt once more.
Complementing them is a star-studded cast of celebrities, including former One Direction member and global popstar Louis Tomlinson, making his Soccer Aid return after a decade away; joined by Olympic heroes Sir Mo Farah and Dame Denise Lewis; presenter Paddy McGuinness; singer Tom Grennan; host Roman Kemp; and actor Bella Ramsey, along with Steven Bartlett, Alex Brooker, Angry Ginge, and Sam Quek.
However, not all stars are certain to take to the pitch. Reality TV start and reigning I’m a Celebrity winner Sam Thompson, who completed a grueling 260-mile challenge bringing the match ball from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford—raising over £600,000—but a calf injury sustained on day one casts doubt on his availability.
Who’s Lining Up for World XI?
Managed by legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, the World XI brings together global stars from football, sport, and entertainment worlds. Schmeichel is joined on the sidelines by Robbie Keane, Martin Compston, and Emmett J. Scanlan as part of the coaching staff.
The team is captained by former Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidić and includes a host of international greats, including Edwin van der Sar, Leonardo Bonucci, Rivaldo, Carlos Tevez, John O’Shea, David Trezeguet, Harry Kewell, Kaylyn Kyle, and Nadia Nadim.
Beyond the seasoned pros, the World XI field a vibrant celebrity line-up. Among them are Gladiators’ Diamond (Livi Sheldon), dancer Gorka Márquez, singer Dermot Kennedy, comedian Asim Chaudhry, and rugby legend Bryan Habana. Social media stars TBJZL (Tobi Brown) and Noah Beck, actor Richard Gadd, and comedian Maisie Adam add further variety to the squad.
The team is rounded out by Tony Bellew, Nicky Byrne, Big Zuu, football freestyler Billy Wingrove, and Olympic footballer Kheira Hamraoui, promising a blend of athleticism, entertainment, and flair.
The Cause & How to Donate
At its heart, Soccer Aid for UNICEF is more than a night of entertainment; it’s a global call to action. The event raises vital funds for UNICEF, helping children around the world grow up safe, healthy, and with access to essentials like clean water, food, vaccines, and education.
In 2024, the event raised an extraordinary £15 million, pushing the total raised since its inception in 2006 to over £100 million. These donations directly support UNICEF’s work in protecting children from disease, malnutrition, and the effects of conflict and climate change — work that continues year-round, long after the final whistle.
Donating is simple. Viewers in the UK can contribute by texting ‘TWENTY’ to 70818 to give £20, or visiting socceraid.org.uk/donate for more options and international giving.
With record crowds expected and global audiences tuning in, Soccer Aid 2025 promises not just an unforgettable match, but a shared moment of unity and purpose. Whether you’re watching to support your favourite footballers or celebrities, or simply to be part of a cause that has helped transform millions of lives, the impact reaches far beyond Old Trafford. Because when football unites for a cause, the result is always bigger than the game, and Soccer Aid 2025 promises to deliver both on and off the pitch.
Will England bounce back? Or will the World XI tighten their grip on the trophy? We’d love to hear from you! Join the conversation over on X (formerly Twitter) and tag us @itsallsporttome!
For more coverage like this, including match previews, results, and stories from the heart of the sporting world, head to our website It’s All Sport to Me!
