Ahead of this year's annual pro-celebrity football tournament for UNICEF at Old Trafford this weekend, we take a look back at its story so far.
The Premier League might be over for another season, but football fans everywhere can rejoice, as this weekend, a host of legendary ballers and famous faces will be taking to the hallowed pitch at Old Trafford in Manchester, for the annual Soccer Aid tournament.
So, as a little warm up to this Sunday's match, we've decided to take a look back at Britain's favourite beautiful game that's all in the name of a good cause…
Where It All Started
It's unbelievably been almost 20 years since the very first Soccer Aid back in 2006, which was initiated by Robbie Williams and his mate Jonathan Wilkes. They assembled two teams - England and Soccer Aid World (or Rest of the World as it was previously known) - to take on a special match.
Robbie was captain for England in its first year and in 2010. On the first match, he presided over a team including legends such as David Seaman, Jamie Redknapp, John Barnes and Paul Gascoigne, playing alongside everyone from This Morning presenter Ben Shepherd to Homeland star Damian Lewis.
Chef Gordon Ramsay, meanwhile, was captain for Rest of the World in its first year, leading up a team that included David Ginola, Peter Schmeichel and Diego Maradona, alongside former Labour politician Alistair Campbell, EastEnders actor Michael Greco and comedian Patrick Kielty. The final score? 2-1 to England, and a cool £6m raised.
Star Strikers
As Soccer Aid's popularity has grown, so too has attendance and interest, with a whole hotch potch of footballing legends and well known stars lacing up their boots. Alan Shearer, Teddy Sheringham, Ryan Giggs and Zinedine Zidane are just some of the ballers that have taken to the pitch in preceding years.
But then there's also the veritable who's-who that oftentimes is part of the attraction of watching the match, even if you're not necessarily a footie lover, as it can feel like a fever dream to witness.
Amongst them, the turf at Old Trafford has seen Hollywood actors Gerard Butler, James McAvoy and Will Ferrell, entrepreneur and podcast host Steven Bartlett, boxer Joe Calzaghe, comedians Mo Gilligan, John Bishop and Jack Whitehall, and popstars Olly Murs, One Direction's Louis Tomlinson, JLS' Marvin Humes and McFly's Danny Jones to name but a few.
Not to mention some of the legendary gaffers that have overseen both the teams - we're talking Jose Mourinho, Harry Redknapp, Sam Allardyce and Kenny Dalglish - and you can see why it's become almost as much of a fixture of fascination as the regular Premiership itself!
Moving With The Times
Soccer Aid was bi-annual up until 2018, with a match taking place on every even numbered year, when there was either the UEFA European Championship or FIFA World Cup on.
But since 2019, it has been yearly, and it now also includes women in the teams to reflect the growing popularity of women's football, making it the only mixed-sex match approved by the Football Association. 2020 was the first year to have women in the teams, with Julie Fleeting and Lianne Sanderson amongst the legends playing that year.
Emma Hayes and Vicky McClure also co-managed the teams for the 2022 fixture, and Jill Scott became the first female to captain a team on the 2023 match. One thing that has stood with all the changes, is the ongoing competition between England and Soccer Aid World. At time of writing? It currently stands as a narrow lead of 7-6 to Soccer Aid World. Time will tell if those numbers draw level pegging this year!
Fundraising for Young Lives
Of course, the most important thing to not overlook is what Soccer Aid is for, which is all to raise money for UNICEF. To date, the events combined have raised over £106m, funding their vital work in helping children across the world grow up happy, healthy and safe, and to protect play for every child. Last year's match raised a best-yet £15m, generated from ticket sales and donations during the live broadcast on ITV.
Plus, the profile of this year's event has been raised even further inside this last week, with the Match Ball Mission challenge that radio DJ and podcast host Sam Thompson, playing for England, has taken on, where he has cycled and run from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford to deliver this year’s match ball. He completed this last Friday and it has already raised an incredible £1.5m - a total that is set to grow further.
So, as the teams prepare to get into training again this week, here's hoping that 2025 is Soccer Aid's best year yet.
To find out more about Soccer Aid and how to donate or get involved, visit www.socceraid.org.uk.
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