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.
The match kicks-off at 7.30pm on Sunday, live on ITV 1, with coverage getting underway at 6pm.
England Soccer Aid line-up
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
World XI Soccer Aid line-up
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
Who has won Soccer Aid the most times?
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.