Soccer Aid 2025: Highlights from the thrilling nine-goal match
It was a close match!
Last updated 17th Jun 2025
Following the success of last year's match, which saw England win for the first time since 2018, Soccer Aid for UNICEF returned on Sunday 15th June,, with a whole host of famous faces raising money for charity.
It was a night packed with action, raising more than £15 million — and seeing World XI take the trophy, following an impressive comeback.
Back in March, ITV/STV bosses confirmed a number of Soccer Aid specials of some of the biggest shows around, including Deal or No Deal, The 1% Club, Tenable, Tipping Point and The Chase.
What is Soccer Aid?
Originally set up by Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes way back in 2006, Soccer Aid is an annual charity football match which raises money for UNICEF. Held each Summer, the game enlists a whole host of former professional players and celebrities, for a 90-minute football match between England and Rest of The World XI.
Over £140 million has been raised since Soccer Aid was first set up in 2006.
What teams played in Soccer Aid?
England play the Rest of The World in the charity game.
What date was the match this year?
Soccer Aid 2025 for UNICEF took place on Sunday 15th June.
Where was it held?
The 2025 game returned to Manchester, being held at the home of Manchester United, Old Trafford.
What time was the match?
Gates at Old Trafford opened at 5.30pm, and kick-off took place at 7.30pm.
What was the score?
Wayne Rooney opened the scoring, followed by Toni Duggan, and then Jermain Defoe made it 3-0.
It looked like it was wrapped up until former Manchester United and Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez came on, scoring a hat trick. There was one more goal from Jermain Defoe, but Big Zuu scored the winner in front of a sellout Old Trafford crowd for Soccer Aid.
Final score, 4-5 win to the Rest of the World team.
Check out some highlights from Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025:
Carlos Tevez and Steph Houghton
Ex-teammates, Serbian former footballer Nemanja Vidic fights for the ball with England's former footballer Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney of England battles for possession with Dermot Kennedy of World XI
Gary Neville
Carlos Tevez of World XI scores his team's second goal
Who was on the line-up?
England Team:
Wayne Rooney (Player-Coach)
Sam Thompson - Celeb (now part of management team)
Joe Hart - Legend
Gary Neville - Legend
Jack Wilshire - Legend
Paul Scholes - Legend
Jermain Defoe - Legend
Steph Houghton - Legend
Toni Duggan - Legend
Jill Scott - Legend
Michael Carrick - Legend
Phil Jagielka - Legend
Sam Quek - Celeb
Sir Mo Farah - Celeb
Tom Grennan - Celeb
Louis Tomlinson - Celeb
Paddy McGuinness - Celeb
Alex Brooker - Celeb
Steven Bartlett - Celeb
Angry Ginge - Celeb
Bear Grylls - Celeb
James Nelson Joyce - Celeb
Bella Ramsey - Celeb
Roman Kemp - Celeb
Rest of the World team:
Robbie Keane - Legend
Leonardo Bonucci - Legend
Carlos Tevez - Legend
Nemanja Vidić - Legend
Edwin van der Sar - Legend
Harry Kewell - Legend
Nadia Nadim - Legend
Kaylyn Kyle - Legend
Bryan Habana - Legend
David Trezeguet - Legend
Kheira Hamraoui - Legend
Martin Compston - Celeb
Zuhair Hassan (Big Zuu) - Celeb
Tobi Brown (TBJZL) - Celeb
Dermot Kennedy - Celeb and halftime performer
Richard Gadd - Celeb
Bryan Habana - Celeb
Gorka Márquez - Celeb
Livi Sheldon (Diamond from Gladiators) - Celeb
Lee Mack - Celeb
Tony Bellew - Celeb
Billy Wingrove - Celeb
Nicky Byrne - Celeb
Maisie Adam - Celeb
Asim Chaudhry - Celeb
Noah Beck - Celeb
Watch highlights from Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025
Who were the managers for 2025?
England:
Boxing legend Tyson Fury took charge of England, alongside Wayne Rooney, who also played and scored in the match. David James, Harry Redknapp and Line of Duty star Vicky McClure were also part of England's coaching team.
At the end of May, Soccer Aid confirmed Robbie Williams would also be back on the touchline.
Robbie Williams (Co-Manager)
Tyson Fury (Co-Manager)
Wayne Rooney (Co-Manager & Player)
Harry Redknapp (Co-Manager)
Vicky McClure (Co-Manager)
David James (Goalkeeping Coach)
Following his incredible 260 mile challenge Match Ball Mission for Soccer Aid, Sam Thompson joined the management team, after the team physio advised him not to play in the game (even though he got on for the final five minutes).
Rest of The World:
The Rest of the World's management team was former professional goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, who also acted as the Manager, and Ireland’s all-time leading goal-scorer Robbie Keane was Assistant Coach/Player.
Who hosted Soccer Aid?
UNICEF UK Ambassador Dermot O'Leary and UNICEF UK Supporter Alex Scott returned to host in 2025.
Who did the commentating?
Sam Matterface provided commentary for the match, with comedian Jason Manford on co-commentating duties.
Who was the referee?
Rebecca Welch took charge of the game, with her assistants Natalie Aspinall; Emily Carney and Jane Simms.
How can I watch Soccer Aid?
Soccer Aid 2025 aired exclusively on ITVX and STV Player. You can watch back on the online player.
How much were tickets?
Tickets ranged from £10.50 to £94.50. Hospitality packages were also available.
Was there a half time show?
Yes! Singer Dermot Kennedy performed at half time. The news was announced on 1st May on social media, with the caption: 'HALF TIME SHOW CONFIRMED! 🔥
'Dermot Kennedy is back to play for the World XI and will put on a special performance at the break. Don’t miss it! ⚽️🎸'.
How much money did Soccer Aid raise last year?
During the game in 2025, a massive £15,049,590 was raised for UNICEF.
If you'd still like to give money, you can donate here.
How much money did Soccer Aid raise this year?
The full total was £15,280,163. with Robbie Williams saying: “God bless you all, let’s see you next year for more of the same. That is absolutely incredible.” This year’s fundraising total means Soccer Aid for UNICEF has now raised over £121 million since 2006. In an incredible gesture, every donation this year up to £5 million was doubled thanks to the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation.
TV specials for Soccer Aid:
A number of popular TV shows were given special episodes in celebration of Soccer Aid 2025. Check out all of the specials below.
James Martin’s Saturday Morning Special: Saturday 7th June at 9:30am
Deal or No Deal for Soccer Aid: Saturday 7th June at 7:15pm
The 1% Club for Soccer Aid: Saturday 7th June at 8.15pm
Tenable for Soccer Aid: Wednesday 11th June and Thursday 12th June at 3pm
Tipping Point for Soccer Aid: Wednesday 11th June, Thursday 12th June and Friday 13th June at 4pm
The Chase for Soccer Aid: Wednesday 11th June and Friday 13th June at 5pm
Who Wants to be a Millionaire for Soccer Aid: Thursday 12th June and Friday 13th June at 10:45pm
Ridiculous for Soccer Aid: Friday 13th June at 3pm
Sam Thompson’s Match Ball Mission: Friday 13th June 9pm
All of the above specials are now available on ITVX and STV Player.
The 1% Club Soccer Aid special
Ahead of the 2025 edition of Soccer Aid, comedian Lee Mack hosted a special edition of award-winning game show The 1% Club, featuring 100 stars from the world of sport and entertainment.
The show featured famous names such as Paddy McGuinness, Tommy Fury, Jill Scott, Max Whitlock, Mark Pougatch, Kimberley Wyatt, Jake Quickenden, Iain Stirling, Gemma Atkinson, Mark Chapman, Neil Ruddock, Tony Bellew, Brian McFadden, Amber Gill and Aitch.
It aired at 8.15pm on 7th June. You can now watch the special on ITVX and STV Player.
Deal or No Deal Soccer Aid special
As well as The 1% Club, Deal or No Deal also had a Soccer Aid special, hosted by Stephen Mulhern.
ITV/STV say of the series: 'The one-off special sees the celebrity joined by family and friends who will be opening the iconic red boxes, but standing in the way is the Banker - will he be feeling charitable, or will he be ready to unnerve, entice and outwit our celebrity?'
Alex Brooker took on the Banker and it aired at 7.15pm on 7th June. You can now watch the special on ITVX and STV Player.
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.”
Check out which football teams your favourite musicians support:
Ant and Dec - Newcastle United
TV presenters Ant and Dec make it no secret that they are beloved Newcastle United fans! The Geordie duo are often spotted at games in the Toon, supporting players like Bruno Guimarães, Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento.
Despite missing some games due to their work commitments, the boys are never too far away from their phones watching their beloved team play.
Ed Sheeran - Ipswich Town
Ed Sheeran and his wife Cherry Seaborn are massive Ipswich Town supporters, with the pair attending a number of games in the past. In August 2024, Ed become a minority shareholder in Ipswich Town, owning a 1.4% stake! He's even been given a squad number for the 25/26 season!
Will Ferrell - Chelsea
American actor Will Ferrell is a huge Chelsea fan and is often in attendance of games at Stamford Bridge.
Jade Thirlwall - South Shields and Newcastle United
As well as supporting Newcastle United, Little Mix singer Jade Thirlwall is often spotted at her local town's football team - South Shields FC.
In August 2020, Jade became the Honorary President of South Shields Football Club, with the club saying: "We are proud to announce that Jade Thirlwall has accepted the role of Honorary President at South Shields Football Club."
Anne Hathaway - Arsenal
Actress Anne Hathaway let slip during an interview in 2024 that she is a huge fan of London club Arsenal. Anne couldn't hide her excitement mid-interview when Leandro Trossard scored a late winner for the Gunners. After the footage went rival, Trossard sent a video message to Anne, leaving her 'shaking'.
AJ Tracey - Tottenham
'West Ten' rapper AJ Tracey is a massive Spurs fan! Not only did he perform at the club's 2019 Nike kit launch, he's also been spotted in the crown and in the dressing rooms, getting photos with former players such as Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Son Heung-min.
Drake - Chelsea
Drake is a massive Chelsea fan and even had a kick about with the team before a Champions League match back in 2012.
The rapper was later photographed in the dressing room with Chelsea legends such as John Terry, Ashley Cole and Didier Drogba.
Aitch - Manchester United
Not only is Aitch good mates with former Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard, the rapper also launched the club's 2019 home kit!
Perrie Edwards - Liverpool
Despite also having a soft-spot for her hometown team Newcastle United, Little Mix singer Perrie Edwards showed massive support for Liverpool when her fiancé Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain played for them.
When Liverpool won the Champions League back in 2019, Perrie was pictured celebrating on the pitch with her man, and of course THAT trophy!
Dave - Manchester United
Dave often tweets his love (and frustration) about his beloved team Manchester United, with the 'Location' hit maker previously helping the club secure the signing of former player Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
In September 2020, Dave's dreams come true when he played at Old Trafford as part of this year's Soccer Aid game!
Jess Glynne - Arsenal
Jess Glynne has a massive passion for football, and in particular her beloved Arsenal! Back in 2015 the club gave Jess a VIP tour around the Emirates after discovering she was such a big fan!
Jess also performed at Wembley Stadium ahead of Arsenal's FA Community Shield game against Chelsea back in August 2015. She's now dating former Arsenal Ladies player Alex Scott.
Prince William and Prince George - Aston Villa
Prince William and his eldest son Prince George are massive fans of Aston Villa! The dad-and-son duo often attend games together, with Prince William even sharing a message on social media when his team qualified for the Champions League!
Stormzy - Manchester United
Another huge star that supports the Red Devils is Stormzy! As well as attending the club's end of season party, the 'Vossi Bop' singer has been down at the training ground a number of times!
KSI - Arsenal
YouTuber KSI is a massive Arsenal fan, with the rapper featuring a lot on AFTV. KSI also gets some of the players involved on his own YouTube channel, playing FIFA against the likes of Mesut Özil.
In 2022, KSI's popular drink PRIME partnered with Arsenal.
Sylvester Stallone - Everton
Legendary actor Sylvester Stallone is a fan of Merseyside club Liverpool. Sylvester has a close friendship with club's former director Robert Earl, and has been spotted a games before! He even once expressed his regret in not buying the club when he had the chance.
Nathan Dawe - Aston Villa
DJ Nathan Dawe is a lifelong Aston Villa fan, so it's no surprise he was over the moon with the club's recent success.
Noel Gallagher - Manchester City
Musician Noel Gallagher is a Manchester City fan through and through. Despite opting not to join in with the Poznan as Man City beat Fulham during the 23/24 season, Noel is often seen in the crown at games, as well as joining the players on their celebratory tours.
Noel's brother and fellow Oasis star Liam is also a big City fan!
Big Zuu - Liverpool
Rapper Big Zuu is a huge fan of Liverpool! He was invited to a number of games during the 2019 season, as well as filming content with former players such as Jordan Henderson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Young T & Bugsey - Arsenal and Manchester United
They are the best of friends but when it comes to football Young T & Bugsey have a major rivalry! Whilst Young T is a huge Arsenal fan, Bugsey's loyalties are with Manchester United.
Sam Fender - Newcastle United
Born in North Shields, it's no surprise 'Seventeen Going Under' singer Sam Fender is true Geordie! Sam has adored Newcastle United since he was a little boy and in 2023 his dreams came true when he played a number of sold-out shows at his beloved St James' Park. Sam is often at the stadium and even featured in the promo for the 25/26 kit launch.
Now read:
Sam Thompson’s HUGE Match Ball Mission total leaves him speechless
Sam Thompson's epic 260-mile Mission for Soccer Aid will air on TV