Sam Thompson's epic 260-mile Mission for Soccer Aid will air on TV
You can watch his incredible journey tonight!
After conquering an epic 260-mile journey to deliver the Soccer Aid for UNICEF ball, fans can now witness Hits Radio presenter Sam Thompson's incredible adventure unfold on TV, in Sam Thompson’s Match Ball Mission.
The special one-off episode will air ahead of this year's Soccer Aid match, which will return to Old Trafford stadium in Manchester. Find out all of the details below, including when it's on TV and how to donate.
What was the challenge?
Sam teamed up with UNICEF to carry this year's Soccer Aid match ball from last year's venue in Stamford Bridge, London, to this year's stadium, Old Trafford in Manchester, but they didn't make it easy for him!
The former I'm A Celeb star had to endure the 260-mile trip from London to Manchester by running and cycling, where he was pushed to his max both mentally and physically.
Throughout the gruelling challenge, Sam was joined by a number of famous faces to support him, including Celebrity Big Brother's Chris Hughes, his bestie Pete Wicks, and professional boxer Tony Bellew. Sam even received a special message from the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
ITV/STV say of the special: 'Ahead of the big match, viewers will get a front row seat to Sam Thompson’s Match Ball Mission as the star embarks on an epic 260-mile challenge to deliver the Soccer Aid for UNICEF match ball from Stamford Bridge, London, to the home of this year’s match at Old Trafford, Manchester, all to raise vital funds for UNICEF’s work for children globally.
'Capturing the trials and tribulations of Sam’s toughest challenge yet, the special will see Sam run and cycle his way across the country, stopping off at iconic stadiums, while celebrity supporters cheer him on along the way.'
You can read more about Sam's challenge here.
What is it called?
The special episode is called Sam Thompson’s Match Ball Mission.
When is it on TV?
It will air at 9pm on Friday 13th June on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.
How much did he raise?
Sam has so far raised a whopping ÂŁ1,516,433,22 for UNICEF.
The final total will be revealed during the show on Friday night.
How can I donate?
You can donate to Sam's fund for UNICEF right here.
Check out all the highlights from Sam Thompson's Match Ball Mission:
Sam's Match Ball Mission gets underway with TV presenter, Joel Dommett, by his side
Sam on his journey
Sam with Joel Dommett and Josie Gibson
Sam on foot
49 miles down - 211 to go
Day two gets underway
Sam powering through
Sam is joined by Love Island and Big Brother star, Chris Hughes
Reaching the next stop at Villa Park, in Birmingham
Getting some much-needed R&R
Day three gets underway
Sam takes a rest
Emotional scenes as Sam is joined by his best pal, Pete Wicks!
A moment's rest
Sam and Pete cycle towards the day three finish line
Almost at the day three finish line in Vale Park
Day four gets off to a drizzly start
Sam's back on two wheels as day four continues
Boxer Tony Bellew arrives to take Sam across the Mersey
An emotional reunion with his I'm a Celebrity campmate
Sam cycles towards the day four finish line at Goodison Park
The fifth and final day gets underway
The match ball is nearly at its destination!
Sam's pushing on, through the exhaustion
Sam crosses the finish line at Old Trafford
Delivering the Match Ball after 260 miles on the road!
When is Soccer Aid?
The 2025 Soccer Aid for UNICEF football match will take place at 6pm on Sunday 15th June.
Sam Thompson’s Match Ball Mission is just one of the special shows taking place this year, in support of Soccer Aid. Other popular shows to get a Soccer Aid special include Deal or No Deal, The 1% Club, The Chase, Tenable, Tipping Point and Who Wants to be a Millionaire.
Kevin O’Brien, ITV Entertainment Commissioning Editor, said: “We are incredibly proud here at ITV of our partnership with UNICEF UK since the inception of Soccer Aid for UNICEF back in 2006. This year ITV will showcase its biggest Soccer Aid for UNICEF programming line-up ever as we countdown to matchday, including a very special documentary capturing Sam Thompson’s unbelievable 260-mile endurance challenge.”
You can find out everything you need to know about this year's Soccer Aid right here.