The Soccer Aid Match 2025 Raises Over £15 Million for UNICEF
Soccer Aid 2025 delivered an unforgettable spectacle of goals, drama, and heart at Old Trafford. England stormed into an early lead, but a Carlos Tevez masterclass flipped the script. With over £15 million raised for UNICEF, the night proved once again that football can make a real-world difference.
What is Soccer Aid?
Soccer Aid is a charity football match like no other, blending sport, celebrity, and global goodwill. It was co-founded in 2006 by British pop star Robbie Williams and his childhood friend Jonathan Wilkes, with the goal of raising funds for UNICEF’s work supporting vulnerable children around the world. Held annually since 2018, the match always features an England team, made up of ex-pros and famous faces, which plays against a World XI of global icons. The format stays the same each year. Over the years, stars like Usain Bolt, Ronaldinho, and the legendary Diego Maradona have graced the pitch in Soccer Aid colours, proving that football truly knows no borders. With TV broadcasts, live stadium crowds, and heartfelt messaging around UNICEF’s mission, the event has raised more than £106 million to date, and its influence continues to grow with every edition.
The Soccer Aid Match 2025
The 2025 edition took place under the floodlights of Old Trafford on June 15 and delivered fireworks from the first whistle. England raced to a 3–0 lead, with Wayne Rooney opening the scoring in under 40 seconds, the fastest goal in Soccer Aid history. Toni Duggan added a composed finish soon after, and Jermain Defoe followed up with a trademark goal of his own. Carlos Tevez took over the second half for World XI. Fans initially booed him, but he silenced critics by scoring four goals in just 14 minutes. Rapper Big Zuu then sealed the comeback with an 84th-minute winner, finishing a slick assist from YouTuber Tobi Brown (TBJZL). The teams included former professionals like Joe Hart, Gary Neville, Leonardo Bonucci and Nemanja Vidić, as well as entertainers such as Roman Kemp and Nicky Byrne.
The final whistle confirmed a thrilling 5–4 victory for the World XI, with all proceeds (£15,000,000 this year) supporting UNICEF’s life-saving work around the globe.
Ready for more?
Check out this story about the Sidemen charity match earlier this year, where football, entertainment and philanthropy collide.
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