Soccer Aid is back for 2025 and returning to Old Trafford

One of the biggest, best and most wholesome charity events on the UK TV and sporting calendar is coming around once again for 2025 and we can’t wait to have it back home: that’s right, Soccer Aid is back at Old Trafford.

The annual charity match on behalf of UNICEF first kicked off at the Theatre of Dreams almost two full decades ago, with the inaugural fixture set up by Robbie Williams back in 2006.

Fast forward to 19 years later and the fantastic fundraising game has grown massively, attracting huge attendances and practically sold-out crowds whenever it comes to Old Trafford, where this whole wonderful thing first started.

Sharing the first trailer for the game this week, the Soccer Aid 2025 is shaping up to include some serious big personalities from football, sport, entertainment and beyond.

As you can see, not only will the next instalment of Soccer Aid feature familiar faces but there are some new kids on the block ready to mix things up.

First off, not only will Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney be serving as player/manager for the first time – carrying on the baton from the days Robbie running on and off the pitch – but he will also be joined by none other than Tyson Fury in looking after the Three Lions.

This a first for the event so we hope there are no fisticuffs between the gaffer and his assistant. After all, they both have priors when it comes to getting out the boxing gloves.

As for the World XI’s technical area, actor Vicky McClure (This Is England, Line of Duty) will also be on the touchline alongside English footballing veteran Harry Redknapp. Meanwhile, ex-national team and Man City goalie, David James, will be serving as the keeper coach.

You can see the full Soccer Aid 2025 player lineup down below:

• Steven Bartlett
• Leonardo Bonucci
• Alex Brooker
• Jermain Defoe
• Diamond
• Toni Duggan
• Mo Farah
• Angryginge
• Tom Grennan
• Joe Hart
• Steph Houghton
• Kaylyn Kyle
• Paddy McGuinness
• Gary Neville
• Nadia Nadim
• Lee Mack
• Wayne Rooney
• Paul Scholes
• Jill Scott
• Sam Thompson
• Louis Tomlinson
• Sam Quek

See more

Better yet, the exhibition’s beloved halftime show also returns this year and while the full list of the performers is yet to be confirmed, we have our money on a few names in particular.

Who knows, maybe we’ll be ‘loving angles instead’?…

Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025 gets underway this summer on Sunday, 15 June and besides being for a deeply important cause, one of the best parts about it is that the tickets are always affordable.

With general admission already live, tickets start from £20 for adults and just £10 for kids – plus there are plenty of premium packages and accessible options too.

Grab yours HERE.

Read more:

• The women’s only trail race that’s been running through Salford for over three decades
• Fan favourite Raffi Quirke has signed a new deal with Sale Sharks
• Sir Jim Ratcliffe confirms Manchester United ticket prices will go up next season

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Press Images (supplied)/The Manc Group