Keywords: Soccer Aid 2025, UNICEF, charity football match, Old Trafford, England XI, World XI, celebrity football, how to watch Soccer Aid, Soccer Aid tickets, fundraising, donate to UNICEF.
Get ready, football fans and charity champions! Soccer Aid, the world’s biggest celebrity football match, is back for 2025, promising another unforgettable evening of entertainment, fierce competition, and life-changing fundraising for UNICEF. This isn’t just a game; it’s a global phenomenon that has raised over £106 million since its inception, transforming the lives of children worldwide .
Whether you’re a seasoned Soccer Aid enthusiast or new to the spectacle, this ultimate guide will give you all the essential details for Soccer Aid 2025, from kick-off times and star players to how you can join the mission and make a real difference.
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More Than Just a Game: The Heart of Soccer Aid
Conceived by pop superstar Robbie Williams and his friend Jonathan Wilkes in 2006, Soccer Aid was born from a simple yet powerful vision: to harness the universal appeal of football and celebrity to raise vital funds for UNICEF UK. Every year, an England XI, packed with national legends and beloved celebrities, faces off against a formidable Soccer Aid World XI (formerly the Rest of the World XI).
What started as a bi-annual event has evolved into an annual fixture since 2019, reflecting its immense popularity and consistent fundraising power. A groundbreaking moment arrived in 2020 with the inclusion of women players, making it the only mixed-sex match approved by the Football Association. This commitment to inclusivity has seen stars like Jill Scott, who made history as the first female captain in 2023, grace the pitch.
The magic of Soccer Aid lies in its unique blend of sporting prowess and celebrity charm. It’s a “fever dream” where footballing icons like Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes, and Joe Hart play alongside actors, musicians, and TV personalities such as Tom Grennan, Steven Bartlett, and Paddy McGuinness . This captivating mix ensures there’s something for everyone, drawing in millions of viewers and supporters year after year.
Soccer Aid 2025: Your Essential Guide
Mark your calendars! Soccer Aid 2025 is set to kick off on Sunday, June 15, at 7:30 PM BST .
The Venue: For the ninth time, the iconic Old Trafford, home of Manchester United, will host the event . This legendary stadium, which welcomed the inaugural match in 2006, is expected to host over 70,000 passionate fans.
How to Watch: For viewers in the UK, the match will be broadcast live and free-to-air on ITV1 and STV, with coverage starting at 6:00 PM BST . You can also live stream the action on ITVX via mobile devices .
The Star-Studded Squads: The line-ups for Soccer Aid 2025 are packed with talent and familiar faces:
- England XI: Managed by the returning Harry Redknapp, alongside boxing heavyweight Tyson Fury and actress Vicky McClure. Wayne Rooney will pull double duty as player-manager. The squad features football legends like Joe Hart, Steph Houghton, Aaron Lennon, Jermain Defoe, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, and Jill Scott (captain) . Celebrity players include Steven Bartlett, Alex Brooker, Tom Grennan, Bear Grylls, Sir Mo Farah, Paddy McGuinness, Sam Quek, and Louis Tomlinson .
- World XI: Led by former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, with actors Emmett J. Scanlan and Martin Compston on the management team. The World XI boasts footballing greats such as Leonardo Bonucci, Edwin Van der Sar, Nemanja Vidic, Carlos Tevez, and Robbie Keane. Celebrity players include Tobi Brown, Tony Bellew, Richard Gadd, Dermot Kennedy, Bryan Habana, Livi Sheldon (Diamond from Gladiators), and Nicky Byrne.
Making a Difference: Soccer Aid’s Incredible Impact
At its core, Soccer Aid is about changing lives. Since 2006, the event has raised an astounding over £106 million for UNICEF UK . This monumental sum directly supports UNICEF’s vital work, ensuring children worldwide can grow up safe, healthy, and able to play.
Your donations contribute to critical programs, including:
- Child Nutrition Fund: Combating severe malnutrition and anaemia.
- Clean Water & Vaccinations: Providing essential health services.
- Mental Health Support: Addressing the psychological well-being of children.
- Crisis Response: Delivering aid in conflict zones and disaster-stricken areas like Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine, helping children return to learning.
- Safe Play Spaces: Creating environments where children can simply be children .
A significant boost to fundraising comes from the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), which generously doubles every public donation made via text or online, up to a maximum of £5 million. This means your contribution goes twice as far!
Beyond the match, initiatives like the Soccer Aid for UNICEF Academy engage UK schools with learning activities and challenges, fostering a new generation of philanthropists. This year, Sam Thompson’s “Match Ball Mission,” a grueling 260-mile journey to transport the match ball, has already raised nearly £200,000, showcasing the diverse ways supporters contribute.
Get Involved! Tickets, Merch & Donations
Want to be part of the action? Here’s how you can support Soccer Aid and UNICEF:
- Tickets: Secure your seats for Soccer Aid 2025 at Old Trafford by searching for “Soccer Aid tickets” online or through official ticketing partners . Prices range from £10.50 for under-16s to £94.50 for premium hospitality .
- Official Merchandise: Show your support with official Soccer Aid and UNICEF branded merchandise. The Soccer Aid Shop offers everything from shirts and scarves to mugs, water bottles, and personalized items. While specific breakdowns aren’t always public, profits from these sales contribute to the overall funds donated to UNICEF .
- Donate: Making a direct contribution is easy and impactful:
- Online: You can make a one-off or monthly donation using any major credit or debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or PayPal. Look for the official donation pages by searching for “Soccer Aid donate” online .
- SMS Text: For quick donations, text ‘TEN’ for £10, ‘TWENTY’ for £20, ‘THIRTY’ for £30, or ‘FORTY’ for £40 to 70818. (Remember to get the bill payer’s permission!)
- Phone: Call 0330 123 4442 to donate by phone.
- Gift Aid: If you’re a UK taxpayer, sign up for Gift Aid to increase your donation by 25% at no extra cost to you.
A Legacy of Legends: Iconic Moments & Rivalry
The competitive spirit between England and the World XI adds an exciting dimension to Soccer Aid. The World XI currently holds a narrow lead with 7 wins to England’s 6 out of 13 matches. England’s decisive 6-3 victory in 2024 ended a six-year drought, setting the stage for an even more thrilling contest in 2025 .
Over the years, the event has delivered countless memorable moments:
- The very first match in 2006 saw goals from Les Ferdinand and Jonathan Wilkes for England, and a penalty from the legendary Diego Maradona.
- Kem Cetinay holds the record as the event’s top scorer with 5 goals.
- Paul Scholes’ “screamer” goal in 2023 showcased his enduring class.
- Humorous moments, like Joe Thomas stepping in as goalkeeper after Paddy McGuinness’s injury, add to the charm.
Join the Team for Change!
Soccer Aid has firmly established itself as a beacon of philanthropic entertainment. Its unique blend of celebrity, sport, and unwavering dedication to UNICEF’s mission ensures its continued success. By attending, watching, donating, or simply spreading the word, you become part of a global team working to give every child a safe, healthy, and playful childhood.
Don’t miss Soccer Aid 2025 – a chance to witness footballing legends and your favourite stars battle it out for a cause that truly matters. Get your tickets, tune in, and donate to help UNICEF continue their vital work around the world!
How to Watch Live Events Online
Whether you’re tuning in for sports, entertainment, or special events, having access to a reliable live stream is essential. For viewers around the world, JustSmarterNow.com is a top-rated IPTV provider offering high-quality HD streams, a wide variety of live channels, and flexible subscription plans to meet your needs.
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