Sam Thompson’s HUGE Match Ball Mission total leaves him speechless
He's raised a whopping £2 million for UNICEF
Last updated 16th Jun 2025
Sam Thompson was lost for words last night after it was revealed he'd raised a whopping £2 million during his Match Ball Mission for Soccer Aid. He took on a gruelling 260-mile challenge last week, to deliver the Match Ball ahead of the charity football match, which sees celebrities and footballers go head to head to raise funds for UNICEF.
In emotional scenes, aired on ITV last night (Sunday 15th June), Coleen Rooney revealed the radio presenter, and former Made in Chelsea star, had raised £2,075,564, leaving him incredibly emotional.
Although unable to take part in the full match, due to a calf injury picked up during his challenge, Sam joined the management team and stepped in for the final few minutes of the game — which saw World XI beat England 5-4.
After hearing the final fundraising total, Sam said: "I said this a million times but thank you to anybody that has donated. You are true heroes.
"Thank you so so much. You know the work UNICEF do — and this is going to help so many kids."
Who won Soccer Aid 2025?
With a final score of 5-4, World XI took the trophy this year. It follows four goals from Carlos Tevez and a fifth from Big Zuu. For England, goals were scored by Wayne Rooney, Toni Duggan and two from Jermain Defoe.
How much money was raised in total?
Including Sam's incredible £2 million contribution to the cause, the 2025 edition of Soccer Aid for UNICEF raised a whopping £15,280,163.
Soccer Aid co-founder, Robbie Williams, said: “God bless you all, let’s see you next year for more of the same. That is absolutely incredible.”
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
Watch Sam's Match Ball Mission on TV
You can watch Sam undertake his Match Ball Mission through a one-off ITV show, which aired on TV at the weekend. Sam Thompson’s Match Ball Mission is now available to watch back on ITVX and STV Player.
Take a look back at Sam'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!
Now read:
Sam Thompson's epic 260-mile Mission for Soccer Aid will air on TV
Soccer Aid 2025: Everything you need to know about the charity football match
Sam Thompson emotional as he completes 260 mile Match Ball Mission for Soccer Aid