Usain Bolt
(Picture: UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella Pictures)Usain Bolt posed with a mocked-up Evening Standard front page as the venue for this year’s Soccer Aid was revealed as the London Stadium — the scene of his 2012 Olympic triumph.
The eight-time gold medalist sprinter will captain the Soccer Aid World XI against Liam Payne’s England side for the match on June 12.
The event, founded by Robbie Williams in 2006 to raise money for Unicef, is usually staged in Manchester. Its last London outing, in 2019, took place at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge.
However, the venue has been switched to the West Ham ground in Stratford amid claims stars who regularly take part made it clear they would pull out if it was staged at Chelsea because of owner Roman Abramovich’s links to Vladimir Putin.
Martin Compston, Mo Gilligan, Harry Redknapp and Garry Neville are among the stars who will return to the pitch for the anticipated match.
The game will once again be presented by TV personality Maya Jama and former Arsenal star Alex Scott.
One Direction star Payne, 28, said: “It doesn’t get much better than captaining England in Soccer Aid while fundraising for Unicef.
“I can’t believe I get to run out onto the pitch with some of my heroes all while raising money for such a great cause. To be given the captain’s armband is a real honour and I’m determined to lead us to victory!”
TV personality and comedian Alex Brooker will be the first physically disabled person to take part in Soccer Aid.
Speaking ahead of the match, Brooker said: “I’m so excited to be a part of Soccer Aid for UNICEF. I’ve watched it for years and I’m proud that I will be the first physically disabled person to play in the match.
“When I was a baby, my parents didn’t even know if I’d end up being able to walk, so to be involved in something like this is special. I should add that I’m right footed and don’t have a right foot, so I’m not gonna be a game changer! But I just can’t wait to be involved.”
Former Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger will manage Soccer Aid World XI FC.
Meanwhile, former Spurs boss Harry Redknapp moves over to manage the Three Lions, taking last year’s star player Tom Grennan with him.
The match will air live on ITV and STV.
* Tickets can be bought at socceraid.org.uk/ticket
