The 2021 match will be held on Saturday 4 September and played at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium for the first time.
Soccer Aid is an exhibition game pitting England against a “World XI” (formerly known as Rest of the World) team, with proceeds and donations going to children’s charity UNICEF. Both teams are made up of a combination of former players and famous faces, and over the years the event has even included some of Hollywood’s biggest names from Will Ferrell and James McAvoy to Woody Harrelson and Gerard Butler.
Wayne Rooney – who retired from professional football in January – will don the Three Lions once again after he was confirmed among the England greats who will be participating in this year’s edition, alongside the likes of Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, and Ashley Cole. Rooney is England’s all-time top scorer, having racked up 53 goals in 123 appearances. Kelly Smith and Fara Williams will also be competing – the former is England women’s record scorer with 46 goals in 117 games, while the latter is England’s most-capped player (male or female) having made 172 appearances for her country.
Brazil legend Roberto Carlos and former Manchester United and France star Patrice Evra will be on show for the World XI, while 8-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt will make his third appearance in the game as a celebrity.
Here’s the confirmed line-up so far, with more to be announced closer to the game:
England
Celebrities
- Olly Murs (Singer)
- Liv Cooke (Football freestyler)
- James Arthur (Singer)
- Paddy McGuiness (Comedian/presenter)
- Chunkz (YouTuber)
- Mark Wright (TV personality/presenter)
Legends
- Wayne Rooney (Striker)
- Paul Scholes (Midfielder)
- Gary Neville (Defender)
- Ashley Cole (Defender)
- Jamie Redknapp (Midfielder)
- Fara Williams (Midfielder)
- Kelly Smith (Striker)
- David James (Goalkeeper)
- Emile Heskey (Striker)
Managers: David Seaman, Micah Richards
World XI
Celebrities
- Usain Bolt (Sprinter)
- Kem Cetinay (TV personality/presenter)
- Roman Kemp (Radio DJ/TV presenter)
- Ore Oduba (TV presenter)
- Tom Grennan (Singer)
Legends
- Roberto Carlos (Defender)
- Patrice Evra (Defender)
Manager: Harry Redknapp
Soccer Aid was created in 2006 by singer Robbie Williams and has since raised more than £38 million for UNICEF. Held biennially until 2018, it is now played annually and this year’s game will be the 10th edition.
England lead the way with 5 victories to the World XI’s 4 wins, but the Three Lions have not won since their penalty shootout triumph in 2018. Last year’s match saw the World XI win 4-3 on penalties after the 2 sides played out a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes.
With a fun, friendly atmosphere, and affordable tickets – adult tickets start from just £20 while child tickets start from £10 – Soccer Aid is a perfect event for families to attend. Click here for more information on Soccer Aid 2021.
