Wayne Rooney was thrilled as he announced his return to Soccer Aid. The former Everton FC striker has been confirmed as a player/manager for the England team at the annual charity event.
The star-studded England vs Rest of The World match will feature a combination of legendary footballers and celebrities hoping to raise thousand of pounds for UNICEF. This year’s match will take place on June 15 at Old Trafford and will be broadcast live on ITV.
Tickets for game went on sale today and Rooney is looking forward to being involved again. The 39-year-old will be joined in the dugout by Tyson Fury, and is excited about the prospect of teaming up with the former World Heavyweight boxing champion.
He said: “I enjoyed the last time I was involved at Soccer Aid so much that when the call came for the 2025 match it was a really easy decision! I’m a big boxing fan, so to do it alongside Tyson Fury is fantastic.
“It really sums up how brilliant Soccer Aid is. We have this in common: we’ll both be taking it incredibly seriously! Obviously 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.
“UNICEF needs our help. So, I promise we’ll put on a show for you this June if you buy your tickets to help raise money for UNICEF and for children around the world.”
The boxing legend is also looking forward the event as he said: “Tyson Fury: ENGLAND MANAGER! Who would ever have thought it!? I have had some big fights in my career and the prospect of leading my England team to victory this June fills me with just as much excitement as any heavyweight fight!”
Soccer Aid was founded by Robbie Williams, who said he is amazed by the continued success of the charity event, which has raised over £106 million for UNICEF since 2006. The Angels singer said: “I have been completely blown away by the success of Soccer Aid for UNICEF.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think it would be this successful. I’m so proud that Soccer Aid has raised more than £106 million for UNICEF since 2006 – very few things in life give me as much joy as knowing children’s lives will have been made better because of it.”
One Direction star Louis Tomlinson has also confirmed his return to the event as he said: “It’s about ten 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. Wayne Rooney with Tyson Fury in the manager’s seat – it’s gonna [sic] be a good one!”
The singer will be joined by celebrities such as Vicky McClure, Sam Quek, Paddy McGuinness, Diamond, Tom Grennan. Sam Thompson; Alex Brooker. Steven Bartlett and Sir Mo Farah.
Footballers such as Wayne Rooney, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Kaylyn Kyle, Jermain Defoe, Jill Scott, David James and Harry Redknapp have been confirmed as returning so far.
In addition to Tyson Fury, former Everton Women’s player Toni Duggan will also be making her debut appearance at the charity event. Also making their debut are Nadia Nadim, Steph Houghton, Leonardo Bonucci and YouTuber, Angry Ginge. Tickets for the game are on sale now via socceraid.org.uk/tickets