Soccer Aid 2025 news: Wayne Rooney to lead England XI vs star-studded World XI
On a summer evening at Old Trafford, where so many footballing dreams have taken flight, another kind of magic will unfold as Sunday, 15 June 2025, sees the Theatre of Dreams host not just a football match but a global movement.
Now in its 19th year, Soccer Aid for UNICEF is about more than goals – it’s a statement that sport, joy, and solidarity can change lives; it’s about giving every child the chance to play, grow, and dream.
Since its founding in 2006 by Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes, Soccer Aid has raised over £106 million, helping UNICEF provide food, water, vaccines, and education to children in crisis-hit areas across the world.
Here, Sports News Blitz takes a closer look at the event which puts legends, icons, and celebrities on the same pitch and lets the drama unfold in a light-hearted fashion.
🏟️ The 2025 edition: Back where it belongs
This year’s match returns to Old Trafford, Manchester’s iconic home of football, for a primetime kick-off at 7:30pm BST.
The familiar pitch will again host a team of England legends and celebrity stars as they face off against a World XI stacked with international flair.
Broadcast live on ITV1, STV, ITVX, and talkSPORT, the event blends high-level entertainment with heart – and millions of viewers will once again be a part of the cause.
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🇬🇧 England XI: A line-up with legacy
England will be led from the touchline by Wayne Rooney, returning in a dual role as player-manager.
Beside him: boxing champion Tyson Fury, football great David James, manager Harry Redknapp, Line of Duty star Vicky McClure, and co-founder Robbie Williams himself.
On the pitch, the team reunites legends such as Paul Scholes, Jermain Defoe, and Gary Neville and further features former Lionesses Steph Houghton, Jill Scott, and Toni Duggan.
Adding celebrity shine are some household names: Mo Farah, Louis Tomlinson, Paddy McGuinness, Tom Grennan, Sam Quek, Sam Thompson, and more – each trading red carpets, stages, studios, and race tracks for grassroots energy and global good.
🌍 World XI: Football’s finest in action
Facing them is a World XI that brings serious talent to the turf.
With defensive icons Leonardo Bonucci, Nemanja Vidić, and Edwin van der Sar, attacking force Carlos Tevez, and game-changing stars like Nadia Nadim and Kaylyn Kyle, the international side promises no shortage of flair.
They're also joined by stars from across sport and entertainment including Lee Mack, Livi “Diamond” Sheldon, and Gorka Márquez.
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🚴 The road to kick-off: A mission in motion
This year’s build-up included one of Soccer Aid’s most inspiring campaigns to date.
Reality star and ‘King of the Jungle’ Thompson undertook a 260-mile journey, cycling and running from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford, in order to deliver the match ball by hand in an emotional feat known as the Match Ball Mission.
His efforts alone helped raise over £1.5 million and captured the imagination of supporters nationwide.
🎯 The bigger picture: What this all means
Soccer Aid’s impact stretches far beyond the final whistle.
The money raised funds UNICEF’s work in over 190 countries, delivering:
Life-saving vaccines
Clean drinking water
Emergency aid during conflicts and natural disasters
Safe education spaces for children forced from their homes
In the end, every goal scored at Soccer Aid is a goal for a child who otherwise might not get the chance to live, learn, or laugh.
Every pass, every chant, and every ticket sold thus becomes a step towards a fairer world.
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🎟️ Be a part of it
Tickets are on sale now, starting at £10 for children and £20 for adults, with premium seats available for up to £90.
Whether you join 70,000 fans at Old Trafford or tune in from home, your presence counts.
Because Soccer Aid isn’t just a match – it’s proof that when we play together, we can protect the world’s most vulnerable children.
🕖 Sunday, 15 June 2025 at Old Trafford – 7:30pm BST
Watch live on ITV, STV, ITVX, or listen on talkSPORT.
For tickets and donations, visit socceraid.org.uk.
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