Soccer Aid 2025 - LIVE!
The World XI are celebrating victory in the latest edition of Soccer Aid. After their dominant streak of victories in the planet’s biggest charity football match was ended at Stamford Bridge 12 months ago, they got back to winning ways in a dramatic nine-goal thriller at Old Trafford on Sunday night, with Big Zuu proving the hero as he dispatched the all-important final effort late on to avoid the tension of a penalty shootout.
That memorable match-winning moment came after Carlos Tevez reprised his role as the pantomime villain at the home of former club Manchester United, scoring four after being sent on at half-time as the World XI recovered from a 3-0 deficit to eventually triumph 5-4, extending their record to eight wins in the 14th edition of Soccer Aid.
Jermain Defoe had notched twice off the bench to put England in a commanding position and become Soccer Aid’s all-time top goalscorer in the process, with Wayne Rooney scoring the earliest goal ever in Soccer Aid before Toni Duggan doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time. However, they simply could not live with Tevez as he carried the World XI to glory.
Soccer Aid 2025 highlights
- GOAL! Big Zuu wins game for World XI late on
- GOAL! Tevez's fourth of second half levels score
- GOAL! Tevez completes hat-trick with free-kick
- GOAL! Defoe adds second to make it 4-2 to England
- GOAL! Tevez scores for second time in 97 seconds
- GOAL! Tevez pulls one back for the World XI
- GOAL! Defoe makes it three after the break
- GOAL! Duggan doubles England lead before half-time
- GOAL! Rooney scores early on Old Trafford return
The man of the moment celebrates sealing the World XI’s astonishing Soccer Aid comeback at Old Trafford...
Soccer Aid 2025: England 4-5 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 21:59 , George FloodThe World XI celebrate with the trophy on the Old Trafford pitch after collecting their medals as the streamers come down.
Robbie Williams then reveals that £15,280,163 has been raised for UNICEF tonight.
Unbelievable stuff.
Soccer Aid 2025: England 4-5 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 21:58 , George FloodMatch-winner Big Zuu with a brilliant post-match interview on ITV, leading the crowd in a World XI chant and insisting he’s “up there with the greats”.
He also reiterates the importance of donating to UNICEF and reveals that Peter Schmeichel told him just to stay in the middle when he came on.
Soccer Aid 2025: England 4-5 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 21:51 , George FloodFull-time
Carlos Tevez with four second-half goals and Big Zuu notches a dramatic late winner as the World XI fight back from 3-0 down to win 5-4 and take back the Soccer Aid title at Old Trafford.
It’s a record eighth triumph overall as they get back to winning ways after last year’s blip at Stamford Bridge.
England with just one win in the last seven years now.
Soccer Aid 2025: England 4-5 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 21:4889 mins: Tevez has just taken out Lennon, who brandishes the yellow card himself.
One final chance for England to deliver into the box, but it’s headed away.
That could be that...
GOAL! England 4-5 World XI | Big Zuu 84'
Sunday 15 June 2025 21:42 , George Flood84 mins: Big Zuu promised he would score tonight and might just have notched the goal to win Soccer Aid for the World XI!
He fires into the bottom corner with Paddy McGuinness inexplicably trying to save with his feet instead of just using his hands.
Big Zuu goes crazy and lands the Cristiano Ronaldo celebration.
What a moment.
England 4-4 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 21:4082 mins: Angryginge is certainly having an eventful night, throwing himself into challenges and getting involved in plenty of aggro.
He follows through on Tevez, who did not like that one bit and reacted.
But they quickly make up.
England 4-4 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 21:38 , George Flood80 mins: Steph Houghton replaced former England team-mate Toni Duggan a little earlier and now needs some treatment after being taken down by a fine but robust sliding challenge from Leonardo Bonucci, who has the captain’s armband for the World XI in this second half.
England 4-4 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 21:3678 mins: Paddy McGuinness has been tormented by the unplayable Carlos Tevez since coming on, but now gets some supportive cheers after catching a cross from the right.
England 4-4 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 21:34 , George Flood75 mins: After Big Zuu comes on to ‘21 Seconds’ by So Solid Crew, Wilshere curls against the post for England. So close.
These walk-on songs for substitutes have been interesting, not least Liverpool fan Sam Quek choosing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ at Old Trafford.
GOAL! England 4-4 World XI | Carlos Tevez 72'
Sunday 15 June 2025 21:30 , George Flood72 mins: This is just ridiculous now from Carlos Tevez, who scores his fourth goal of the second half after cutting in off the left and leaving Angryginge behind before slotting past Paddy McGuinness once more.
From 3-0 down to 4-4! This is the Carlos Tevez show.
The pantomime villain at Old Trafford.
GOAL! England 4-3 World XI | Carlos Tevez 68'
Sunday 15 June 2025 21:28 , George Flood68 mins: A quick-fire hat-trick for Tevez as he effortlessly dispatches a free-kick into the bottom corner with Paddy McGuinness stumbling.
What a second half this is turning out to be!
GOAL! England 4-2 World XI | Jermain Defoe 65'
Sunday 15 June 2025 21:2365 mins: It’s Defoe vs Tevez as the goals continue to come thick and fast in this second half!
O’Shea blocks from Sam Quek before Lennon plays through the legs of O’Shea for Defoe to rattle in a second that makes him the highest goalscorer in Soccer Aid history.
GOAL! England 3-2 World XI | Carlos Tevez 60'
Sunday 15 June 2025 21:18 , George Flood60 mins: Well now!
Two goals in as many minutes from Tevez, who nips in ahead of Angryginge and leaves two England defenders - including Phil Jagielka - on their backsides as he charges through to slot past the helpless Paddy McGuinness again.
The game has turned on its head in a flash, with Tevez lapping up the boos from the Old Trafford crowd.
A very interesting last half an hour in store.
GOAL! England 3-1 World XI | Carlos Tevez 59'
Sunday 15 June 2025 21:16 , George Flood59 mins: Hold on just a moment!
England are caught in possession in a bad area and Robbie Keane flicks through the legs of Angryginge for fellow substitute Tevez, who sidefoots into the bottom corner.
Game on?
GOAL! England 3-0 World XI | Jermain Defoe 55'
Sunday 15 June 2025 21:12 , George Flood55 mins: The pressure tells!
After Byrne’s save from Bartlett, Angryginge gets his head to the corner and Defoe rifles into the roof of the net at the back post.
Is that game, set and match for England?
Soccer Aid 2025: England 2-0 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 21:11 , George Flood53 mins: Now Byrne denies Bartlett, who is hungry for more Soccer Aid goals after last year’s heroics.
England applying plenty of pressure again after the half-time changes.
Has Tevez touched the ball yet?
Soccer Aid 2025: England 2-0 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 21:10 , George Flood49 mins: The game is really opening up already early in this second half, some strange goalkeeping from Paddy McGuinness earning the World XI a corner.
At the other end, Bryan Habana makes an important intervention as the likes of Lennon and Defoe wreak havoc for England.
Fancy feet from Duggan too.
Soccer Aid 2025: England 2-0 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 21:0547 mins: What a couple of minutes for the World XI’s celebrity goalkeeper Nicky Byrne of Westlife, who makes an outstanding double save to deny both Defoe and Steven Bartlett after a speedy run from Aaron Lennon.
He then handles outside the box after a chip from Defoe, denying a goalscoring opportunity.
He’s generously only given a yellow card by referee Rebecca Welch.
Soccer Aid 2025: England 2-0 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 21:02 , George FloodCarlos Tevez, Bryan Habana, Nicky Byrne, Kaylyn Kyle and Leonardo Bonucci are among seven players being introduced at half-time by the World XI.
Paddy McGuinness, Phil Jagielka and Jermain Defoe are included in the quintet being sent on by England.
We are back underway at Old Trafford.
Can England hold on to win a second straight title and seventh overall to pull level with the World XI all-time?
Soccer Aid 2025: England 2-0 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 20:55 , George FloodDaniel Mays’ powerful monologue gives way to Dermot Kennedy performing his hit song ‘Better Days’ over a heart-wrenching UNICEF montage.
He ends his performance by saying: “Please give what you can.”
Soccer Aid 2025: England 2-0 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 20:49Actor Daniel Mays is currently delivering a very powerful monologue at Old Trafford.
Emphatically reminding everyone what Soccer Aid is truly about, raising money for the phenomenal work done by UNICEF.
Soccer Aid 2025: England 2-0 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 20:46Great pass from Carrick, great finish by Duggan.
Two former England internationals combining to devastating effect.
Beautiful finish 🤌
— Soccer Aid (@socceraid) June 15, 2025
Watch Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025 live on @ITV, @ITVX and @WeAreSTV 📺 pic.twitter.com/mnhIcpRFPg
Soccer Aid 2025: England 2-0 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 20:40 , George FloodDragons’ Den star Sara Davies reveals that £7,038,047 has been raised for UNICEF so far tonight.
What an effort.
Soccer Aid 2025: England 2-0 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 20:34After a breathless first half, the World XI’s Dermot Kennedy will have to gather himself now to deliver a half-time musical performance at Old Trafford.
The World XI are in trouble here, but remember they have the likes of Carlos Tevez to bring off the bench yet.
It’s also celebrity goalkeepers in the second half, which means Paddy McGuinness for England and Westlife’s Nicky Byrne for the World XI.
Soccer Aid 2025: England 2-0 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 20:27 , George FloodI daresay we will be hearing much more about Angryginge’s impressive first half in the weeks to come...
What a tackle from @angryginge13 😮💨
— Soccer Aid (@socceraid) June 15, 2025
Watch Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025 live on @ITV, @ITVX and @WeAreSTV 📺 pic.twitter.com/lt5uifb0l1
Soccer Aid 2025: England 2-0 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 20:23Half-time
What an end to the half for England, who take a commanding lead into the interval thanks to goals from Wayne Rooney and Toni Duggan.
GOAL! England 2-0 World XI | Toni Duggan 45'
Sunday 15 June 2025 20:19 , George Flood45 mins: England double their lead on the stroke of half-time at Old Trafford!
Carrick with an excellent low through ball to release Duggan, who runs away from Richard Gadd before coolly dispatching beyond Van der Sar.
What a moment for the former Lionesses star as she follows in Ellen White’s footsteps.
Soccer Aid 2025: England 1-0 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 20:16 , George Flood41 mins: Mo Farah is introduced for England shortly before half-time.
The Soccer Aid regular replaces actor James Nelson-Joyce in midfield.
Soccer Aid 2025: England 1-0 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 20:14 , George Flood40 mins: A nice bit of chest control and quick drive from Dermot Kennedy for the World XI.
That wasn’t far away.
He’ll also be performing at half-time.
A feisty moment now between Trezeguet and Angryginge.
Soccer Aid 2025: England 1-0 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 20:13 , George Flood38 mins: Tyson Fury has just sworn for the second time on live TV tonight as he gives an update to Alex Scott from the England dugout.
He says he’s just been “shouting instructions and s**t”, remaining modest when told that this lead is down to his management.
He delights in the fact that the World XI have yet to muster a shot on target.
Soccer Aid 2025: England 1-0 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 20:11 , George Flood37 mins: Van der Sar watches on in relief as Rooney’s ball releases Wilshere and the former Arsenal man’s effort is shovelled just wide.
Now Rooney blazes off target.
Soccer Aid 2025: England 1-0 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 20:10 , George Flood35 mins: Another great tackle by England left-back Tom Grennan stops the World XI in their tracks.
No sign of that knock that Big Zuu was talking about ahead of kick-off.
Now the offside flag thwarts Rooney.
Soccer Aid 2025: England 1-0 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 20:07 , George Flood32 mins: A save for Joe Hart to make as Kheira Hamraoui flicks the ball up and tries an inventive volley that is easily held by the former England No1.
Now Hamraoui fires well wide.
Soccer Aid 2025: England 1-0 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 20:05 , George Flood30 mins: Denise Lewis and Toni Duggan are both coming on for England now as we tick past the half-hour mark.
Jill Scott and Alex Brooker make way.
Soccer Aid 2025: England 1-0 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 20:04Here is that opening goal from Wayne Rooney.
Not his former Manchester United team-mate Edwin van der Sar’s finest moment, it must be said.
Rolling back the years ❤️🎯
— Soccer Aid (@socceraid) June 15, 2025
Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025 is live on @ITV, @ITVX and @WeAreSTV 📺 pic.twitter.com/urKUvSyxmO
Soccer Aid 2025: England 1-0 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 20:0127 mins: Former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick - recently sacked as Middlesbrough manager after two-and-a-half years - is running the game for England at the moment, sending a peach of a cross-field diagonal that Alex Brooker can’t bring in.
Soccer Aid 2025: England 1-0 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 19:5925 mins: Peter Schmeichel and Martin Compston are in deep conversation on the Old Trafford sideline as a Mexican wave breaks out.
Aside from that Angryginge clearance off the line to deny Rivaldo, the World XI have not threatened at all so far.
Having said that, England have also created little since Rooney’s early opener.
Soccer Aid 2025: England 1-0 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 19:57 , George Flood22 mins: Noah Beck - a previous scorer in Soccer Aid - replaces Asim Chaudhry for the World XI.
Alex Brooker is on for Bella Ramsey for England.
Fellow comedian Maisie Adam is also coming on for the World XI after Grennan now slides in on Diamond.
He timed that one better.
Soccer Aid 2025: England 1-0 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 19:56 , George Flood21 mins: What a moment for Angryginge, who celebrates after clearing Rivaldo’s flicked effort off the line!
A great few minutes for the YouTuber, who saved a certain goal there after his earlier well-timed sliding challenge on Diamond.
Soccer Aid 2025: England 1-0 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 19:53 , George Flood19 mins: Grennan slides in poorly on Rivaldo, who certainly felt that one.
O’Shea rises to try and glance in the Brazilian’s subsequent free-kick delivery, but Joe Hart is equal to it.
Was that his first touch?
Soccer Aid 2025: England 1-0 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 19:51 , George Flood16 mins: A key, no-nonsense clearance by Vidic as Jill Scott shaped to shoot after good football involving Bella Ramsey, Wilshere and Tom Grennan.
Van der Sar now confidently claims another delivery into the box.
At the other end, Angryginge makes a superb sliding challenge on Livi Sheldon.
Soccer Aid 2025: England 1-0 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 19:49 , George Flood14 mins: Another early World XI switch as former Manchester United stalwart John O’Shea enters the fray at Old Trafford.
Harry Kewell heads off.
By the way, Alex Scott has just confirmed on ITV that Wayne Rooney’s fourth-minute goal was the earliest in Soccer Aid history.
Soccer Aid 2025: England 1-0 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 19:4711 mins: Actor James Nelson-Joyce - star of This City is Ours, among other things - is doing well in the England midfield so far, with Wilshere leaving Van der Sar scrambling as England continue to apply the early pressure.
Soccer Aid 2025: England 1-0 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 19:46 , George FloodBack at Old Trafford, back among the goals...
Soccer Aid 2025: England 1-0 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 19:45 , George Flood10 mins: A fair old pace to this game early which will be testing everyone’s stamina.
The World XI can’t really get anything going yet, despite some attempted skill by a now 53-year-old Rivaldo.
The crowd screams for Louis Tomlinson continue.
Soccer Aid 2025: England 1-0 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 19:425 mins: Another early blow here for the World XI as an injured Tony Bellew limps off.
Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Marquez is his replacement.
Tom Grennan - who does have a football background as a youngster - charges forward for England and fires narrowly over the crossbar.
GOAL! England 1-0 World XI | Wayne Rooney 4'
Sunday 15 June 2025 19:38 , George Flood4 mins: That didn’t take long!
Bella Ramsey wins possession back high up the pitch for England and Rooney is away inside the box, his initial effort blocked behind well by Richard Gadd.
It leads to a corner, with a fine ball in from Jack Wilshere.
Van der Sar comes to punch and the World XI can’t clear their lines before a slipping Rooney prods home.
A goal on his Old Trafford return! The crowd enjoyed that one.
Soccer Aid 2025: England 0-0 World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 19:362 mins: A quiet start to the game as England enjoy most of the early possession, Louis Tomlinson looking to pick out a cross and Edwin van der Sar then cutting out a delivery from Wayne Rooney.
Huge cheers for Tomlinson when he gets on the ball.
Soccer Aid 2025: England vs World XI
Sunday 15 June 2025 19:34 , George FloodAfter all that, the match ball isn’t acceptable as it’s returned by Wayne Rooney and Jack Wilshere!
Another one is promptly booted on by Dermot O’Leary and we’re off and running at Old Trafford at last.
Will we get another high-scoring Soccer Aid thriller, like at Stamford Bridge 12 months ago?
Here we go...
Sam Thompson delivers the match ball
Sunday 15 June 2025 19:32 , George FloodAll that is left before kick-off in Manchester is for Sam Thompson to bring on the match ball.
He rightly receives the adulation of the crowd after his charity exploits this week that have already raised more than £2million for UNICEF.
Teams are out
Sunday 15 June 2025 19:26 , George FloodHere come the teams at Old Trafford!
Bursts of pyrotechnic flame as the football legends, past sport stars and celebrities alike all take to the pitch.
A brilliant atmosphere at the Theatre of Dreams, where ‘Right Here, Right Now’ by Fatboy Slim blares out.
Soccer Aid teams
Sunday 15 June 2025 19:17 , George FloodA reminder of tonight’s starting XIs as we close in on kick-off at Old Trafford...
Your England starting lineup 🏴
— Soccer Aid (@socceraid) June 15, 2025
🤩 Louis Tomlinson and Angry Ginge in defence
👏 Bella Ramsey on the wing
👑 Wayne Rooney up front
Watch live on @ITV, @ITVX and @WeAreSTV 📺 @Primark | @EASFCMOBILE | @adidasUK | @tomdotcodotuk | @SuzukiCarsUK pic.twitter.com/tmiGKRyv5Y
The World XI starting lineup is in 🌎
— Soccer Aid (@socceraid) June 15, 2025
💪 Vidic at the back
🤝 @AsimC86 No. 7
😍 @RIVALDOOFICIAL, @livisheldon and @Trezegoldavid @Primark | @EASFCMOBILE | @adidasUK | @tomdotcodotuk | @SuzukiCarsUK pic.twitter.com/TCjzksJ5Wz
Kick-off approaching in Soccer Aid
Sunday 15 June 2025 19:16Final preparations at Old Trafford!
Kick-off in Soccer Aid 2025 is now just over 15 minutes away.
Sam Thompson raises more than £2m for UNICEF
Sunday 15 June 2025 19:01 , George FloodA really nice moment as we build towards kick-off at Old Trafford as Coleen Rooney reveals to Sam Thompson that he has so far raised £2,075,564 as a result of his gruelling 260-mile charity run/bike ride from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford earlier this week, where he delivered tonight’s match ball.
He is genuinely in disbelief. A reminder that Thompson suffered a torn calf during that mission and is therefore part of the England management team tonight, rather than playing as initially planned.
It’s then revealed that already this year £3,351,621 has been raised for UNICEF through Soccer Aid.
Amazing stuff. You can donate here.
Huge crowd building at Old Trafford
Sunday 15 June 2025 18:55 , George FloodA massive crowd at Old Trafford for Soccer Aid tonight.
Always such a popular, memorable event, and for such a great cause.
Old Trafford looking 😍@ManUtd | @UNICEF_uk pic.twitter.com/VXrrCbOF8C
— Soccer Aid (@socceraid) June 15, 2025
World XI team news
Sunday 15 June 2025 18:48 , George FloodDavid Trezeguet and Rivaldo is not a bad forward line for the World XI, is it?
They are joined up front by Livi Sheldon, AKA Diamond from Gladiators.
Edwin van der Sar plays behind a defence marshalled by captain and fellow Manchester United great Nemanja Vidic, who is joined by Harry Kewell playing at left-back and Tony Bellew on the right, with Richard Gadd in the middle.
Looks like a midfield three of France’s Kheira Hamraoui, Dermot Kennedy - who is also performing tonight - and comedian and actor Asim Chaudhry.
World XI lineup
Sunday 15 June 2025 18:43 , George FloodStarting XI: Edwin van der Sar, Tony Bellew, Nemanja Vidic (c), Richard Gadd, Harry Kewell, Dermot Kennedy, Kheira Hamraoui, Asim Chaudhry, David Trezeguet, Rivaldo, Livi Sheldon (Diamond)
World XI team coming up
Sunday 15 June 2025 18:39Now it’s time for Martin Compston and Peter Schmeichel to name the World XI team.
Here we go...
England team news
Sunday 15 June 2025 18:29 , George FloodSome great quips from Harry Redknapp in announcing that team, which has Bella Ramsey and Jack Wilshere either side of Wayne Rooney in attack.
Joe Hart is in goal, with Louis Tomlinson and Tom Grennan - who Big Zuu says is carrying a knock - the full-backs, Gary Neville playing at centre-back along with YouTuber Angryginge.
Michael Carrick is joined by captain Jill Scott and James Nelson-Joyce in midfield, the actor who delivered a cheeky panenka to win a midweek penalty shootout for England against the World XI.
ITV have to apologise for Tyson Fury roaring that England are f*****g Spartans before the team announcement.
That didn’t take long!
England lineup
Sunday 15 June 2025 18:26 , George FloodStarting XI: Joe Hart, Louis Tomlinson, Angryginge, Gary Neville, Tom Grennan, James Nelson-Joyce, Jill Scott (C), Michael Carrick, Bella Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Wayne Rooney
England lineup on the way
Sunday 15 June 2025 18:24Tyson Fury and Harry Redknapp are about to name the England starting lineup in the dressing room at Old Trafford.
Stand by...
Soccer Aid legend Lee Mack ruled out
Sunday 15 June 2025 18:22It’s not just world-renowned celebrities on the pitch and in the dugouts at Old Trafford tonight.
Hollywood great Julia Roberts is filmed in the tunnel of her beloved Manchester United - nobody tell City boss Pep Guardiola, who was heartbroken to learn of the allegiance of one of his idols.
Lee Mack, by the way, a stalwart of Soccer Aid on both sides and scorer of a dramatic winning penalty for the World XI at the London Stadium in 2022, reveals he is not able to play tonight due to hip issues.
Big Zuu, meanwhile, is combining playing with punditry duties, alongside Mack and Mary Earps.
World XI feeling confident
Sunday 15 June 2025 18:14 , George FloodRichard Gadd is first off the World XI team coach, the comedian and actor who wrote and starred in the Netflix smash-hit series Baby Reindeer.
A great reception for Sideman and YouTube star Tobi Brown - AKA TBJZL - and Livi Sheldon, better known as ‘Diamond’ on the reboot of Gladiators.
She wants to become the first female celebrity ever to score in a Soccer Aid contest.
Like Wayne Rooney, fellow Red Devils icon Peter Schmeichel is thrilled to be be back at Old Trafford.
Tobi is another huge United fan, by the way.
It also sounds like Line of Duty star Martin Compston is part of the World XI management team tonight, rather than playing himself.
He says that England always go with their best team first, so fancies the World XI’s chances if they are still in the game at half-time, having been brushed aside 6-3 at Stamford Bridge 12 months ago.
England players determined to seal seventh Soccer Aid title
Sunday 15 June 2025 18:08No messing around from the England players and management - they make it clear that they are out to win tonight.
Olympic gold-medal winning heptathlete Denise Lewis reveals that her mum - like Tyson Fury - is a huge Manchester United fan and is set for quite a night at Old Trafford.
Record United goalscorer Wayne Rooney is enjoying being back at the Theatre of Dreams, insisting that victory this evening is a matter of personal pride.
Teams arrive at Old Trafford
Sunday 15 June 2025 18:04 , George FloodThe respective team coaches are filmed arriving outside Old Trafford to a huge expectant crowd, with plenty of cheers for Louis Tomlinson as he comes off the England bus first.
He’s followed by the likes of Bella Ramsey, Denise Lewis, Jill Scott, Wayne Rooney and Tyson Fury.
“Win, win, win” is the message delivered by England boss Fury to hosts Dermot O’Leary and Alex Scott.
Mary Earps joins Soccer Aid punditry team
Sunday 15 June 2025 17:59 , George FloodAnother late addition for Soccer Aid this weekend is Mary Earps.
But the former Lioness will not be playing or managing, but rather on ITV’s punditry team.
Earps, the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper, recently announced her retirement from England duty just weeks before the start of their European Championship title defence in Switzerland.
This is a big one…🏴
— Soccer Aid (@socceraid) June 14, 2025
We are so excited to announce Mary Earps will be on the Soccer Aid for UNICEF punditry team!
You can catch the legendary Lioness on Sunday’s broadcast from 6pm @ITV, @ITVX, @WeAreSTV ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/7YutOzm2NF
England looking for back-to-back Soccer Aid titles
Sunday 15 June 2025 17:51 , George FloodEngland had not won Soccer Aid since 2018 before finally ending the World XI’s dominant five-match winning run at Stamford Bridge 12 months ago.
That was the highest-scoring game in the history of Soccer Aid in west London, with England eventually winning 6-3 as more than £15m was raised for UNICEF, taking the total all-time to over £106m - with plenty more on the way tonight.
Frank Lampard and Harry Redknapp masterminded victory over Mauricio Pochettino, who was back in the Stamford Bridge dugout just weeks after being sacked by Chelsea.
Lionesses legend Ellen White became the first female player ever to score at Soccer Aid, while there was also a Chelsea homecoming for Eden Hazard.
Another England win tonight in the 14th edition of Soccer Aid would see them match the World XI with seven titles overall.
Soccer Aid arrivals
Sunday 15 June 2025 17:39 , George FloodThe big names have started to arrive at Old Trafford...
Soccer Aid confirm late Rivaldo and Tom Hiddleston additions
Sunday 15 June 2025 17:31 , George FloodAs mentioned, there have been a couple of surprise Soccer Aid additions on both sides this weekend.
Yesterday came the news that Brazilian icon Rivaldo was the latest star name to join the World XI playing roster - much to Tom Grennan’s disbelief.
And a packed England dugout will also now feature acting superstar Tom Hiddleston, as well as Tyson Fury, Harry Redknapp, David James, Vicky McClure and the injured Sam Thompson.
Oh btw... RIVALDO IS PLAYING AT SOCCER AID FOR UNICEF 🇧🇷#SoccerAid pic.twitter.com/214rPnDk1F
— Soccer Aid (@socceraid) June 14, 2025
Bear Grylls withdraws with hamstring injury
Sunday 15 June 2025 17:23Sam Thompson is not the only late withdrawal from England’s celebrity ranks for Soccer Aid in recent days.
Survival expert Bear Grylls won’t take part tonight either after pulling his hamstring during training last week.
"It's a hard one this for me. I picked up a stupid injury,” he said on ITV.
"Doing some Soccer Aid training, and some sprints and pulled a hamstring.
“And I'm back on Running Wild next week. So I've got to try and get that to recover.
“But I'm gutted. I think Soccer Aid is one of the most iconic things on TV through the year.”
Sam Thompson goes from player to manager after torn calf
Sunday 15 June 2025 17:16 , George FloodThere will be no Sam Thompson in action on the pitch tonight.
The television, podcast and radio star had been due to play for England at Old Trafford, only to withdraw through injury on Friday after tearing a calf on his remarkable charity mission.
Thompson had previously run and biked 260 miles over five days from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford, delivering the match ball and raising money for UNICEF.
He will now join England’s management team instead.
“I'm still very sore, still got the torn calf, however I am here at Soccer Aid HQ and it does not get better than this,” he told This Morning.
“We've still got the management team of England, we've got Vicky McClure, Tyson Fury, who's stepping into some new shoes and Harry Redknapp.
“But also because I'm not going to be able to run around, you've also got me, part of the management team. Come on baby!
“I came here with high hopes and went to see Gary the physio and I can kick a ball from a standing start, but when it comes to like general chaos of playing competitive sport there's just no way.
“I can't really run properly, so yeah. They were very kind and said we still want you to be a part, so I get to go on the dark side with Tyson Fury.”
Who is playing for the World XI at Soccer Aid?
Sunday 15 June 2025 17:05 , George FloodThe World XI are certainly never short on big names and this year is no different, having added Brazilian legend Rivaldo to the mix late on.
He joins the likes of Carlos Tevez, David Trezeguet, captain Edwin van der Sar, Nemanja Vidic, Leonardo Bonucci, Harry Kewell, John O’Shea and Robbie Keane, who is also coaching along with Peter Schmeichel.
Former world boxing champion Tony Bellew and rugby hero Bryan Habana are also playing, alongside celebrities including regulars Lee Mack, Maisie Adam, Martin Compston, Big Zuu and Nicky Byrne, plus Dermot Kennedy, Sideman TBJZL, Noah Beck, Richard Gadd and more.
Legends: Edwin van der Sar (GK), Nemanja Vidic, Leonardo Bonucci, John O'Shea, Kheira Hamraoui, Kaylyn Kyle, Harry Kewell, Nadia Nadim, Robbie Keane, Carlos Tevez, David Trezeguet, Rivaldo
Celebrities: Nicky Byrne (GK), Livi Sheldon, Lee Mack, Gorka Márquez, Martin Compston, TBJZL, Bryan Habana, Dermot Kennedy, Tony Bellew, Richard Gadd, Billy Wingrove, Noah Beck, Big Zuu, Maisie Adam
Management: Peter Schmeichel, Robbie Keane (player/coach)
Who is playing for England at Soccer Aid?
Sunday 15 June 2025 16:56 , George FloodEngland have some real star power to call upon at Soccer Aid this year, with the likes of Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Jack Wilshere, Jermain Defoe, Steph Houghton and Joe Hart all involved in a team captained by Jill Scott and managed by Tyson Fury, David James, Harry Redknapp, Vicky McClure and, as was confirmed only earlier today, Tom Hiddleston.
The celebrities and other former sport stars also lining up for the Three Lions in 2025 include Mo Farah, Sam Quek, Louis Tomlinson, Paddy McGuinness, Angryginge, Tom Grennan, Bella Ramsey and Roman Kemp.
Legends: Joe Hart (GK), Phil Jagielka, Steph Houghton, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Jack Wilshere, Jill Scott (C), Michael Carrick, Aaron Lennon, Toni Duggan, Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe
Celebrities: Paddy McGuinness (GK), Louis Tomlinson, Steven Bartlett, Alex Brooker, Mo Farah, Angryginge, Tom Grennan, Sam Quek, Denise Lewis, James Nelson-Joyce, Bella Ramsey, Roman Kemp
Managers: Tyson Fury, David James, Vicky McClure, Robbie Williams, Harry Redknapp, Wayne Rooney (player/coach)
How to watch Soccer Aid 2025
Sunday 15 June 2025 16:48 , George FloodTV channel: Soccer Aid 2025 will be broadcast live and free-to-air on ITV1 in the UK, with coverage starting at 6pm BST.
Live stream: The match will also be available to stream live online for free via ITVX.
Soccer Aid 2025 live
Sunday 15 June 2025 16:46 , George FloodHello and welcome to Standard Sport’s live coverage of Soccer Aid 2025.
The biggest charity football match on the planet is back at Manchester United’s Old Trafford this evening for its 14th edition with millions more set to be raised for the brilliant work of UNICEF.
Will it be back-to-back titles for England, or can the World XI get back to winning ways after losing a 6-3 thriller at Stamford Bridge 12 months ago?
Kick-off tonight is at 7:30pm BST, so stay tuned for all the build-up, a full list of who’s playing on each side and live updates throughout.
