Soccer Aid 2025: What is it? When is it? Which celebrities are taking part?

Soccer Aid returns to Old Trafford in Manchester this weekend with a whole host of famous faces ready to kick off the charity football match.

Taking place every year, the celebrity event raises money for children's charity, Unicef.

England and Man United legend Wayne Rooney will co-manage the England team which includes names like Jill Scott, Louis Tomlinson and Tyson Fury.

Whereas their opposition will feature among others, Diamond from BBC show Gladiators and Gorka Marquez, a Strictly Come Dancing professional.

But what is Soccer Aid and who's taking part? Keep reading to find out.

Are you looking forward to Soccer Aid? Which team will you be supporting? Let us know in the comments below.

What is Soccer Aid?

Last year England won the trophy after a 6-3 victory

Soccer Aid has been raising money every year since 2016, with what it calls the "world's biggest celebrity football match".

In the game, a team of celebrities and former footballers from England combine to take on another team of stars and former footballers who represent "the rest of the world".

The money raised is for the charity Unicef, which supports projects helping children around the world.

So far, the matches have raised more than £100m in total, including a record £15m at last year's event.

When and where is Soccer Aid 2025 being played?

The match will take place at Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium

The charity match between England and the Soccer Aid world eleven will take place on Sunday 15 June at Manchester United's ground, Old Trafford.

The commentary will be led by Sam Matterface, who voices the England games on ITV, as well as CBBC's The Dog Ate My Homework presenter Iain Stirling.

They'll also be joined by presenters Dermot O'Leary and former England star Alex Scott, and a host of special guests.

Who's playing for England at Soccer Aid 2025?

Wayne Rooney, United's all-time record goal-scorer, last managed at Soccer Aid in 2020 and played in the game the following year.

He said: "It's great to lace up the old boots again - and see some old friends - but the cause is the real reason we are doing this."

He'll be playing alongside teammates like Sky soccer analyst Gary Neville and former Lionesses Jill Scott, Steph Houghton and Toni Duggan.

There will also be famous names from outside of football, such as Olympic gold medallists Sir Mo Farah and Dame Denise Lewis, TV presenter and adventurer Bear Grylls, and singer Tom Grennan.

Louis Tomlinson said: "It's about 10 years since I last turned out for Soccer Aid, so I thought it was about time I returned to the pitch.

"As everyone knows, I am a massive football fan so playing with some legends of the game is a dream come true."

Who is playing for the World team at Soccer Aid?

The charity match will see the England team of former pros and celebrities take on a World XI opposition.

The world team line-up includes former football stars Leonardo Bonucci and Nadia Nadim as well as Gladiator Diamond, real name Livi Sheldon, who will be making her second Soccer Aid appearance in a row.

Strictly Come Dancing pro Gorka Marquez will also be joined by YouTuber Tobi Brown and South African rugby union legend Bryan Habana.

What is Sam Thompson doing for Soccer Aid 2025?

Sam set off on his mission with Masked Singer host Joel Dommett for support

Reality TV and I'm a Celebrity winner Sam Thompson spent five gruelling days running, cycling more than 260-miles.

His job was to bring the match ball from last year's venue - Chelsea's Stamford Bridge in London - to its new home at Old Trafford, and to raise money along the way.

He's raised more than £600,000 but the challenge has left his participation in the charity match hanging in the balance.

Sam injured his calf muscle on the first day and it's currently not known whether he will be able to play in the game.

How to watch Soccer Aid 2025

Soccer Aid will be live on ITV at 6pm on Sunday 15 June.

Will you be watching? Which team or player are you rooting for and why? Let us know in the comments.