Barcelona legend and Hollywood superstar join Soccer Aid as late additions
Soccer Aid's star-studded line-up has been boosted by two late additions as a Brazil legend joins the Rest of the World team and an acting superstar is added to England's management team.
The ever-popular charity match is being played at Old Trafford, home of Manchester United, on Sunday evening.
Huge names from the world of football are joined by a host of celebrities as they raise money for UNICEF.
The line-up was impressive enough before a couple of late additions, starting on Saturday night with Brazil and Barcelona legend Rivaldo.
Soccer Aid announced his addition on Saturday evening in nonchalant fashion, posting on X: 'Oh btw… RIVALDO IS PLAYING AT SOCCER AID FOR UNICEF.'
Tom Grennan, who will be playing for England, was met with the news, saying: 'Rivaldo? Leave it out. Their team is a joke. What a player. Barcelona legend. Wow! We go again.'
England have also brought in a late call-up, although while he is bringing in serious star power, he might not be so much help on the pitch.
Acting royalty Tom Hiddleston has joined the likes of Tyson Fury, David James and player/coach Wayne Rooney on England's management team.
The 44-year-old has been involved before, playing in the England team in 2023. More Trending
The match kicks-off at 7.30pm on Sunday, live on ITV 1, with coverage getting underway at 6pm.
Celebrities: Steven Bartlett
Alex Brooker
Morgan Burtwistle aka Angry Ginge
Mo Farah
Tom Grennan
Bear Grylls
Roman Kemp
Denise Lewis
Paddy McGuinness (GK)
James Nelson-Joyce
Sam Quek
Bella Ramsey
Louis Tomlinson
Legends: Michael Carrick
Jermain Defoe
Toni Duggan
Joe Hart (GK)
Steph Houghton
Phil Jagielka
Aaron Lennon
Gary Neville
Paul Scholes
Jill Scott (captain)
Jack Wilshere
Coaching staff: Tyson Fury
David James
Vicky McClure
Harry Redknapp
Wayne Rooney (Player/Coach)
Sam Thompson
Tom Hiddleston
Celebrities: Maisie Adam
Noah Beck
Tony Bellew
Tobi Brown aka TBJZL
Nicky Byrne (GK)
Asim Chaudhry
Richard Gadd
Bryan Habana
Dermot Kennedy
Lee Mack
Gorka Márquez
Livi Sheldon aka Diamond
Billy Wingrove
Big Zuu
Legends: Leonardo Bonucci
Kheira Hamraoui
Harry Kewell
Kaylyn Kyle
Nadia Nadim
John O'Shea
Carlos Tevez
David Trezeguet
Edwin van der Sar (GK)
Nemanja Vidić
Rivaldo
Coaching staff: Daniel Bachmann
Martin Compston
Robbie Keane
Emmett J. Scanlan
Peter Schmeichel
After England dominated the early years of the contest, the World XI fought back to win five straight Soccer Aids from 2019 to 2023.
As a result, the World XI currently lead the head-to-record with seven wins to six.
England finally ending their losing run in 2024 with a remarkable 6-3 victory where Dragons Den star Steven Bartlett was named player of the match after bagging a brace.
MORE: 'Nervous' Sam Thompson speaks out after quitting Soccer Aid over devastating injury
MORE: British acting legend new frontrunner to play Voldemort after Harry Potter casting updates
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