This year’s event will return to London for the first time since 2019, being held at West Ham United’s London Stadium on 12 June 2022.
The annual football match, which raises money for children’s charity UNICEF, pits an England team comprised of football legends and celebrities against their counterparts from a “World XI.” Over the years, legends have included Alan Shearer, Ronaldinho, and Zinedine Zidane, while participating celebrities have included Hollywood stars such as Jeremy Renner, Woody Harrelson, and Will Ferrell, and singers such as Olly Murs, Niall Horan, and Jack Savoretti.
This year, former England stars featuring for the Three Lions once again are Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Joe Cole, and Fara Williams. Williams is England’s most capped player with a remarkable 172 appearances for the Lionesses – plus 40 goals – while Neville, Carragher, and Cole racked up a combined 179 England appearances. Former Manchester United and France star Patrice Evra will be among the legends featuring for the World XI, which will be managed by legendary Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.
Celebrities confirmed for the 2022 match include record-breaking Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt, One Direction’s Liam Payne, and actor Damian Lewis. Comedian Alex Brooker will also be making an appearance as Soccer Aid’s first disabled player.
Here’s the confirmed line-up so far, with many more to be announced closer to the game:
England
Celebrities
Liam Payne (Singer)
Lucien Laviscount (Actor)
Tom Grennan (Singer)
Chunkz (YouTuber)
Alex Brooker (Comedian)
Damian Lewis (Actor)
Legends
Gary Neville (Defender)
Jamie Carragher (Defender)
Fara Williams (Midfielder)
Joe Cole (Midfielder)
Managers: Harry Redknapp, David Seaman
World XI
Celebrities
Usain Bolt (Sprinter)
Martin Compston (Actor)
Mo Gilligan (Comedian)
Chelcee Grimes (Singer/footballer)
Steven Bartlett (Entrepreneur/TV personality)
Legends
Patrice Evra (Defender)
Managers: Arsene Wenger, Robbie Keane
Soccer Aid began in 2006, created by singer Robbie Williams – who will be performing at half-time in this year’s match – and friend Jonathan Wilkes. Courtesy of ticket sales and public donations, the fundraiser has contributed more than £38 million to UNICEF over the years. The event was biennial until 2018, but it has become an annual match over the last 5 years.
Last year’s event finished 3-0 to the World XI, thanks to a brace from TV personality Kem Cetinay and a late goal from comedian Lee Mack. The victory was the 3rd consecutive win for the World XI, leaving both teams on 5 wins apiece in total over the 10 editions that have taken place.
As a charity exhibition, a fun and friendly family atmosphere is the order of the day at Soccer Aid, and it’s affordable for families to attend, too – adult tickets start from just GBP £20, while child tickets start at £10. Hospitality is also available for £420 if you want to make your matchday experience truly unforgettable, and all profits go to UNICEF so your money is going to a good cause!
