Soccer Aid 2025: Dermot Kennedy, Nicky Byrne and Robbie Keane among Irish playing in charity match
Celebrities and football legends are coming together in the 14th edition of the charity match for UNICEF.
England are currently leading 4-4 to World XI.
Manchester United players dominate the squads, with Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Edwin van der Sar all taking part.
Nemanja Vidic and Wayne Rooney will also appear, the latter taking up a hybrid player/manager role.
Harry Redknapp returns to England's coaching staff for the second year running, making up a six-strong staff in the dugout. Tyson Fury and Vicky McClure will be among his colleagues, while Jill Scott will don the captain's armband.
They will line up opposite the World XI, represented by Carlos Tevez, David Trezeguet and Leonardo Bonucci, with Peter Schmeichel and Robbie Keane shouldering coaching duties.
England won last year's tie at Stamford Bridge 6-3 to halt the World XI's five-year winning run, and could tie the head-to-head record with another triumph on Sunday.
Soccer Aid, the self-proclaimed 'world's biggest celebrity football match', has raised over £106million since it was first held in 2006. It aims to '[harness] the power of football to support children around the world to grow up safe, healthy and able to play.'
Over £1.5m has already been raised this year after Sam Thompson carried the match ball from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford this week, covering 260 miles across five days.
Where is Soccer Aid 2025 being played?
This year's edition of Soccer Aid is being held at Old Trafford, home of Manchester United.
The show returns to Manchester for the ninth time. It last played host in 2023, with Stamford Bridge picking up the mantle in between.
The Etihad Stadium, London Stadium and Wembley Stadium are the only other grounds to have hosted the tie.
Who is playing at Soccer Aid 2025?
As is tradition, Sunday's squads will be packed with former professionals and an eclectic blend of celebrities.
England will be captained by Lionesses legend Scott, who will be joined by the likes of Neville, Rooney and Michael Carrick. Pop star and former Aston Villa academy player Tom Grennan joins on the celebrity side, alongside comedian Paddy McGuinness, Olympian Mo Farah and TV outdoorsman Bear Grylls.
They have lined up opposite the World XI, whose formidable defence will feature Bonucci and Vidic, with Van der Sar between the sticks. Their celebrity contingent includes comedian Lee Mack, a Soccer Aid regular, former WBC cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew, and comedian Richard Gadd.
England
Legends: Joe Hart (GK), Phil Jagielka, Steph Houghton, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Jack Wilshere, Jill Scott (C), Michael Carrick, Aaron Lennon, Toni Duggan, Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe
Celebrities: Paddy McGuinness (GK), Louis Tomlinson, Steven Bartlett, Alex Brooker, Mo Farah, Angryginge, Tom Grennan, Sam Thompson, Sam Quek, Bear Grylls, Denise Lewis, James Nelson-Joyce, Bella Ramsey, Roman Kemp
Management: Tyson Fury, David James, Vicky McClure, Robbie Williams, Harry Redknapp, Wayne Rooney (Player/coach)
World XI
Legends: Edwin van der Sar (GK), Nemanja Vidic, Leonardo Bonucci, John O'Shea, Kheira Hamraoui, Kaylyn Kyle, Harry Kewell, Nadia Nadim, Robbie Keane, Carlos Tevez, David Trezeguet
Celebrities: Nicky Byrne (GK), Livi Sheldon, Lee Mack, Gorka Márquez, Martin Compston, TBJZL, Bryan Habana, Dermot Kennedy, Tony Bellew, Richard Gadd, Billy Wingrove, Noah Beck, Big Zuu, Maisie Adam
Management: Peter Schmeichel, Robbie Keane (Player/coach)
Head to head (h2h) history and results
This year marks the 14th edition of Soccer Aid, and England trail narrowly in the head-to-head.
The Three Lions reduced the deficit last time out with a commanding 6-3 victory at Stamford Bridge, with goals from Joe Cole, Steven Bartlett and Theo Walcott making the difference. That ended a run of five World XI victories, though.
England wins: 6
Draws: 0
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The Irish Sun
6 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Soccer Aid World XI player ratings: Carlos Tevez and Big Zu steal the show but Ballon d'Or winner humbled by Angry Ginge
IT was the night Angry Ginge took on Rivaldo, and Manchester United fans had an even angrier whinge about old boy Carlos Tevez. Celebs mixed with footballing legends for sell-out Soccer Aid at 9 Carloz Tevez was the World X1's match-turning four-goal sub Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 9 Angry Ginge had a sensational all-round game in England's midfield Credit: AFP And despite all the big ex-Prem names - with stars like Here's our verdict on how EVER player fared as £15,280,163 was raised for Unicef . JOE HART (Goalkeeper) - 9 A quality performance from the Ex- LOUIS TOMLINSON (Defender) - 8 The most popular man in Old Trafford from start to finish, READ MORE IN FOOTBALL What makes Louis beautiful as a footballer is that he didn't let the occasion get the better of him, he perfected the Little Things , being Ready to Run down the right and link up with his teammates, he was Strong on the ball and tenacious off of it. He'll no doubt be Up All Night dreaming of that almost Perfect performance with his footballing career only heading in One Direction , up. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK ANGRY GINGE - 10 An insane Micky Van de Ven-like block saved his side early in the first half in what was a sensational performance from the Manchester-born and bred lad. Most read in Football Another fan favourite here, and rightly so, slide tackles galore, almost always perfectly timed and comfortable on the ball too. Westlife star Nicky Byrne makes incredible Soccer Aid double save.. His aerial dominance allowed him to pick up an assist on his home turf from a corner, which Jermain Defoe smashed into the roof of the net to make it 3-0. Class act. GARY NEVILLE (Defender) - 9 Solid at the back as he was for his many years playing here in his career. No nonsense, calm and composed on the ball and showed all of his class and experience in the first half in what was a classy performance from the right-back turned centre-back. If 'no one wants to grow up to be a Gary Neville' after that showing, I'd urge them to re-watch his Soccer Aid 2025 highlight reel. Unfortunately for him, he was marginally outshone by Angry Ginge next to him. TOM GRENNAN (Defender/Midfielder) - 8 After a masterclass performance at Stamford Bridge last year, Tom Grennan proved that he is up there with the Best a Man Can Get. Came very close to scoring a thunderbolt from left-back, and put in some crunching tackles in a solid defensive performance for his side. With the curls in his hair it was a performance reminiscent of Marc Cucurella at Chelsea this season before he moved into an advanced midfielder position in the second half. ALEX BROOKER (Defender) - 6 By all means, solid at the back on the left side of the pitch for his country. JACK WILSHERE (Midfielder) - 9 A maestro in the middle, this is a guy who ran the show against prime Iniesta and Xavi when he was 19-years-old and didn't look like he'd aged a bit out there. A great touch, silky feet and the same eye for a pass he always had. 9 Jack Wilshere saw counterpart Noah Beck give as good as he got Credit: Getty 9 Jill Scott was also excellent in the England midfield Credit: PA JILL SCOTT (Midfielder) - 8 Looked a class above the midfielders for the World XI, with her distribution impeccable and showing great ability on the half-turn too. The MICHAEL CARRICK (Midfielder) - 6 A solid showing in midfield for England, but was outshone by the brilliance of Jill Scott and Jack Wilshere alongside him. Did what was required of him, always moving the ball on quickly and acting as something as a metronome for his side. BELLA RAMSEY (Winger) - 5 A fairly quiet showing from the left-sided attacker. Amazing in Game of Thrones though, so who's the real winner? Not me... JAMES NELSON-JOYCE (Winger) - 5 Didn't particularly stand out. WAYNE ROONEY (Striker) - 9 It was only right that he opened the scoring with a neat finish into the bottom left corner, which became the fastest goal in Soccer Aid history, much to the delight of the Old Trafford crowd. 9 Wayne Rooney made history with his early opener Credit: Reuters SUBS TONI DUGGAN (Striker) - 9 A superb finish into the bottom left corner in the first half doubled her side's lead with expert timing right before the whistle blew to signal the end of the opening 45. DENISE LEWIS (Winger) - 5 A hard-working showing from the former athlete who looked every bit as fit as she did in her athletic peak. MO FARAH (Defender) - 6 Only spent a short time on the pitch this year, but was dependable when he was on. AARON LENNON (Winger) - 9 Unplayable. His link-up with Jermain Defoe would have put a smile on the face of any Spurs fan, with his electric pace and quick feet proving impossible for even Billy Wingrove to keep up with. One of England's best players on the night. JERMAIN DEFOE (Striker) - 9 A striker's finish followed an expert header from Angry Ginger following a corner after he'd seen his effort saved minutes earlier. Scored again in the second half, combining brilliantly with Aaron Lennon to become the top goalscorer in Soccer Aid history as he went goal for goal with Carlos Tevez in a thrilling second 45. STEVEN BARTLETT (Winger) - 5 After starring last year at Stamford Bridge and getting the MOTM award, it was a quieter night for the Huel-fuelled England winger. Not bad by any means on the left but was looked after for the most part by Nemanja Vidic and John O'Shea. PHIL JAGIELKA (Defender) - 4 Not a bad showing, but he was unfortunate to come on at the same time as Carlos Tevez, who was quite frankly too hot to handle for any England defender. PADDY MCGUINNESS (Goalkeeper) - 1 After such a solid showing from Joe Hart it unfortunately fell on the shoulders of Paddy McGuinness to follow that up. A good effort from the lad and it feels harsh to rate someone so low, but with five goals conceded and failing to stop Big Zuu's winner it's hard to rate him higher. 9 Paddy McGuinness at least held on here as Robbie Keane looked on Credit: Getty STEPH HOUGHTON (Defender) - 5 A quiet but solid showing from the England and Man City legend. SAM QUEK (Midfielder) - 5 Came close to scoring in the second half shortly after coming on, but was unable to do so and couldn't really impact the game much other than that. ROMAN KEMP (Defender) - 5 Formed a good partnership with Angry Ginge on the right side of the England defence. SAM THOMPSON (Midfielder) - 7 Came on with just a few minutes to go to a huge applause after pulling out of the game with injury. Didn't get the fairytale ending to his story he perhaps deserved after his mammoth cycle from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford, but gets a seven based on his huge fundraising effort and coming onto the pitch to try and help his team in the dying moments. He'll surely be back next year for revenge. WORLD XI EDWIN VAN DER SAR (Goalkeeper) - 4 Failed to claim a deep cross that was whipped into the box in the first half, allowing Wayne Rooney to open the scoring and was then unable to stop Toni Duggan's great finish into the same corner. Swapped at half-time as the Soccer Aid goalkeepers always are, which made the World XI appreciate how lucky they were to have him in goal in the first half. TONY BELLEW (Defender) - 5 Replaced within six minutes due to injury by Gorka Marquez, hobbled off the pitch and down the Old Trafford tunnel to great applause. Soldier. NEMANJA VIDIC (Defender) - 9 Solid at the back for his side as he was for so many years at Old Trafford, that said, Richard Gadd was no Rio Ferdinand next to him. Looked good at the back and solid on the ball too when needing to progress it forward, throwing it back to the good old days with a crunching tackle on Steven Bartlett - any market rivals of Huel would've loved that. 9 Majestic World XI centre-back Nemanja Vidic successfully got to grips with former Man Utd team-mate Rooney and Co Credit: Shutterstock Editorial RICHARD GADD (Defender) - 4 As the star of Baby Reindeer you'd think he's used to checking his shoulder for someone who might be following him, but that wasn't the case as Toni Duggan ghosted past him to slot home England's second goal. JOHN O'SHEA (Defender) - 6 Was solid on the right-hand side of defence for his team, and did a job on Steven Bartlett who was man of the match for England at Stamford Bridge last year. HARRY KEWELL (Defender) - 4 Came off early in the first half in what was a shy performance from the Aussie great. KHEIRA HAMRAOUI (Midfielder) - 3 A quiet showing from the midfielder who was kept quiet by Jill Scott. DERMOT KENNEDY (Defender) - 8 Gets bonus points for a simply incredible half-time performance that brought large parts of the Old Trafford crowd to tears - not for the first time this season. His on-pitch performance wasn't half bad either, with some great touches and strong tackles throughout. DIAMOND (Winger) - 2 Had a job done on her by the impermeable England defence, the gladiator was crunched early on by Tom Grennan and never looked the same after that. It was, unfortunately, her poor touch that allowed Wayne Rooney to open the scoring. RIVALDO (Midfield/Attack) - 3 The Brazilian legend - and former Ballon d'Or winner - once shared a dressing room with R9 Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, taking on the likes of Paolo Maldini in his heyday, but now getting the better of Angry Ginge seemed a step too far. Showed some silky touches and good passes at times, but was ultimately disappointing for a man who had so much quality in his prime. 9 Rivaldo fended off Toni Duggan here but often struggled Credit: Shutterstock Editorial DAVID TREZEGUET (Striker) - 3 A quiet evening from the French striker, didn't create anything and the impact of Carlos Tevez highlighted that more than anything. SUBS MAISIE ADAM (Midfielder) - 5 A quiet showing from the comedian. NOAH BECK (Midfielder) - 9 Taught most of the old folks out there a lesson with incredible feet and a great touch, looking like a natural on the Old Trafford turf. It's hard to watch him as a man and not pale in insignificance, as he does have it all, from the looks to the footballing ability. Forced Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville into tactical fouls on the influential midfielder, in an expert showing from start to finish, where he was all over the pitch. Nicky Byrne (Goalkeeper) - 8 After his introduction at half-time, he had a chaotic start to the match with two incredible stops to deny Jermaine Defoe and Steven Bartlett before avoiding a red card for saving the ball with his hands OUTSIDE the box - a very clever move knowing that he wouldn't be sent off. When it was all said and done, though, it was a solid performance from the replacement keeper, who managed to concede the same number of goals as Edwin Van der Sar, and may well have won the game for his side with a few of his crucial moments. Tobjizzle (Midfielder) - 6 Was unable to get the goal he would've liked at his beloved Old Trafford, but a handful for the England defence after coming on and shows flashes of the flair and skill we know he's got in his locker. Bryan Habana (Winger) - 4 The South-African rugby star didn't make much of an impact. BILLY WINGROVE (Defender) - 3 Was given a torrid time by Aaron Lennon as he played left-back for the World XI. Has bags of skill and ability and perhaps would've been better off placed in attack for his side. CARLOS TEVEZ (Striker) - 10 Wow. This guy is a joke. Carlos Tevez and his bulldog-like approach have still got it. The man who became an enemy on this turf by moving from United to City lit up Old Trafford with a stunning performance after coming on at half-time, scoring twice early in the second half to drag his side back in the game before completing his hat-trick with a free-kick past Paddy McGuinness. His second and fourth goals in particular were works of art, ducking and diving through multiple England players before finishing with aplomb, and putting Angry Ginge in a blender for the fourth. A joy to watch. 9 Tevez cupped his ear at a ground where he's notorious Credit: Shutterstock Editorial BIG ZUU (Midfielder) - 10 Forget 'Siuuuu' it's all about 'ZUUUUUUUUU' from now on. Big Zuu picked up where Carlos Tevez left off, proving that this guy really can do anything. Bagged the winning goal with a left-footed strike at the near post that sent the crowd into raptures as he then performed his now signature celebration, sorry CR7. ROBBIE KEANE (Striker) - 7 Was mistakenly introduced to the Old Trafford crowd as the beloved Roy Keane, but was instrumental in his side's second-half remontada, showing a great link-up with Carlos Tevez. LEONARDO BONUCCI (Defender) - 4 Not a popular man on English soil after scoring the goal that cancelled out Luke Shaw's opener in the Euro's final, and played as if the pressure had got to him. The crowd had high hopes for the Italian legend, but would be beaten by Angry Ginge to a spot in the Soccer Aid best XI this year. KAELYN KYLE (Midfielder) - 5 The athletic midfielder showed flashes of good play with some nice passes and touches but was a victim of the quality of the England midfield. Soccer Aid 2025 Soccer Aid is on TONIGHT as legendary footballers and A-listers raise money for Unicef in one of the most exciting matches of the year! Here's everything you need to know for the big game... Soccer Aid 2025 LIVE - Follow all the action and reaction as it happens Info: All the info for Soccer Aid 2025 Who is playing this year? Why is Usain Bolt not playing this year? Latest news and features:
The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Sam Thompson makes surprise Soccer Aid appearance as he comes on as a sub just days after pulling out with injury
SOCCER Aid fans were treated to a surprise Sam Thompson appearance - as he came on as a sub just days after pulling out. The Sun revealed Sam, 32, ue to injuries sustained in his epic marathon challenge. 4 Sam Thompson made a surprise Soccer Aid appearance Credit: Getty 4 He had been announced to have pulled out due to injury Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 4 Sam with his teammate Tom Grennan Credit: Getty He made . Despite this, the former Made in Chelsea star ultimately did join his teammates on the pitch. It meant he played in the same England side as One Direction star Louis Tomlinson, 33, who is now dating . The in December, with Zara moving on with Louis . Read more on Soccer Aid at Soccer Aid HQ in Tring, Herts, where the England and Rest of the World teams are preparing for the match. In the end, World XI ultimately claimed the win courtesy of a goal from Big Zuu. Regarding Sam's initial exit, a source said previously: 'Sam is gutted he can't play, but the match has just come too soon since his efforts. 'He's still going to be a presence and play a big part in the coverage but he won't be able to compete on the field.' Most read in News TV The source added: 'There is a small blessing in his withdrawal as the focus on him and Louis will disperse. 'Their every move will be watched so it's a relief in some ways they won't be on the pitch together.' Sam Thompson breaks silence on injury that forced him out of Soccer Aid and says he had to be 'carried' to physio room England team, with other stars such as Mo Farah, Alex Brooker and Elsewhere, Paddy McGuinness was Hollywood legend. The presenter - who played in goal for England 's team- posed for a picture with Julia Roberts. Paddy captioned: "Just chilling with Jules. @juliaroberts @socceraid #legend #icon." Soccer Aid 2025 Soccer Aid is on TONIGHT as legendary footballers and A-listers raise money for Unicef in one of the most exciting matches of the year! Here's everything you need to know for the big game... Soccer Aid 2025 LIVE - Follow all the action and reaction as it happens Info: All the info for Soccer Aid 2025 Who is playing this year? Why is Usain Bolt not playing this year? Latest news and features: A follower commented: "As you do. She's just a girl sat in front of a boy", referencing Julia's role in Notting Hill." Another wrote: "This photo makes me ridiculously happy! Absolute stars!" A third shared: "You are a lucky lucky man." While a fourth wrote: "Can't believe she's there." 4 Paddy McGuinness shared a selfie with Julia Roberts Credit: Instagram
The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
‘Soccer Aid has absolutely rattled me' – Man Utd fans furious at what Carlos Tevez did after scoring at Old Trafford
CARLOZ TEVEZ lit up Soccer Aid - and re-lit the fuse with Manchester United fans. The strike legend has a controversial reputation at Advertisement 3 Carlos Tevez shared centre spot with another ex-Man Utd star in Nemanja Vidic after the World XI beat England 5-4 at Old Trafford Credit: PA 3 Three-time Prem winner Tevez was the World XI's main man, much to the annoyance of many Red Devils' supporters Credit: Shutterstock Editorial And he somehow managed to rile The Argentine, 41, came off the bench to hit FOUR goals as the World XI roared back from 3-0 down to snatch a late 5-4 win. Some United fans were already angry - as they reckoned he should not have been allowed to return on the field at Old Trafford. And they were even more annoyed when Tevez's dazzling display was accompanied by a surprising choice of tune over the tannoy system. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL "You'll Never Walk Alone" - the signature tune of big rivals Tevez was, notoriously, a United player from 2007-09. But to many fans he soured his stay beyond redemption with a go-or-stay saga - ending when his advisors revealed he no longer wanted to play for Alex Ferguson's team. Instead he joined fast-rising neighbours Advertisement Most read in Football BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK 3 Tevez, left, celebrated as Big Zuu went wild after his winner Credit: Reuters And although he's long gone from Old Trafford he's not forgotten by fuming fans of United. However, he walked the walk - and almost did it alone - as he led the World XI's recovery, before Advertisement Westlife star Nicky Byrne makes incredible Soccer Aid double save.. Admittedly, -drilled' might be a slight exaggeration - as BZ's 20-yard near-post shot should never have beaten England keeper But the TV presenter made a mess of it - after inexplicably trying to save it with his legs and ending up in a tangle. And if McGuinness was honest he should at that stage have pleaded "Take Me Out" - of goal. However, although it was too late for England, it wasn't too late for United supporters to vent their ire over Tevez - and Liverpool's tune. Advertisement One wrote: "Soccer Aid has absolutely rattled me here. Who let Carlos Tevez in the building and who the f*** agreed to play that over the tannoy." Plenty of fans made the point after the frontman was only halfway through his quadruple haul. One posted: "Playing you'll never walk alone at old Trafford and Carlos Tevez brace… Jesus" - followed by a laughing emoji. Another simply stated: "Watched Soccer Aid for 6 minutes and seen Carlos Tevez score a double and you'll never walk alone being played at Old Trafford." Advertisement Another joked: "Tevez getting hat-trick and YNWA being played in the stadium, don't think soccer aid will be getting played at Old Trafford anymore." Others even asked why he was allowed to play there at all. And one extended that suggestion by writing on X: "Shouldn't be allowed to play you'll never walk alone at Old Trafford even for Soccer Aid." Soccer Aid 2025 Soccer Aid is on TONIGHT as legendary footballers and A-listers raise money for Unicef in one of the most exciting matches of the year! Here's everything you need to know for the big game... Soccer Aid 2025 LIVE - Follow all the action and reaction as it happens Info: All the info for Soccer Aid 2025 Who is playing this year? Why is Usain Bolt not playing this year? Latest news and features:
