2025 MATCH REPORT

Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025, broadcast live on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player, raised an incredible £15,280,163 to support for UNICEF’s work for children around the world.

It was another enthralling contest between England and the Soccer Aid World XI FC, as Lioness Jill Scott captained once again, leading the way for Team England, whilst Nemanja Vidic skippered for the Soccer Aid World XI FC for the first time.

Making up the star-studded squads this year, celebrity debuts were made by the likes of Bella Ramsey, James Nelson-Joyce, Richard Gadd, Gorka Márquez, and many more, as well as football legends in Joe Hart, Steph Houghton, Aaron Lennon, Leonardo Bonucci, Rivaldo and others. Whilst celebrity returners such as Louis Tomlinson, Paddy McGuinness, Sir Mo Farah, UNICEF UK Ambassador Alex Brooker, Tony Bellew and Gladiator’s Diamond and ex-professionals including Jill Scott, Gary Neville, Jack Wilshere, Jermain Defoe and Edwin Van Der Sar, took to the pitch once more.

Tyson Fury made his Soccer Aid for UNICEF debut as England co-manager alongside Wayne Rooney and UNICEF UK Ambassador Robbie Williams, with Tom Hiddleston, Harry Redknapp, Vicky McClure and David James making up the supporting coaching team. They were up against the Soccer Aid World XI FC management team with Peter Schmeichel, UNICEF UK Ambassador Martin Compston, Emmet J. Scanlan, Robbie Keane and Daniel Bachmann. Hollywood icon and Soccer Aid supporter was also present cheering on both teams.

Team England started strong, as Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney scored the fastest ever goal in Soccer Aid history in the fourth minute. Not all was lost for World XI as Angry Ginge jumped to rescue goalkeeper Joe Hart with an unbelievable save in the 19th minute. Just before the half time whistle blew, Lioness Toni Duggan, in her Soccer Aid debut, snuck in an exceptional second goal for the England squad – ending the first half on 2-0 to England.

Going into the second half, former England striker Jermaine Defoe scored again for Team England, seamlessly flicked the ball into the left corner of the net, bringing the score to 3-0. Former professional footballer Carlos Tevez wowed the crowds by scoring an unbelievable two goals in rapid succession for World XI. As the 64th minute hit Defoe knocked the ball in for the second time for England – making him now the top scorer in Soccer Aid history.

Much to Paddy McGuinness’s dismay Carlos Teves scored another two times bringing the game to an even to 4-4. As the teams were neck and neck, Big Zuu secured his first ever Soccer Aid goal by sneaking the ball into the net bringing the game to a final score of 5-4 to World XI.

As the only official FA sanctioned mixed gender match, Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025 saw more female players take part than ever before, and an all-female line up once again for the game’s match officials. Rebecca Welch returned as referee, with Natalie Aspinall and Emily Carney as assistants and Jane Simms returning as the 4th official. For the first time, the match was graced with Lioness royalty as Mary Earps took on the role of pundit.

Robbie Williams, Soccer Aid for UNICEF co-founder and UNICEF UK Ambassador said: “It’s been another incredible Soccer Aid for UNICEF event – I am so proud of this beautiful game! Every year I am blown away by the nation’s generosity and this is why we do it, so that children all over the world can play and have the childhoods they so deserve. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has got involved and donated. Your money will be life-changing for millions of children worldwide!”