The Soccer Aid line-up for 2023 has been revealed - and the celebrity football match for UNICEF is returning to the home of Manchester United. Old Trafford will host the star-studded match on Sunday, June 11.
The England squad captained by Lionesses’ Euro 2022 winner and Queen of The Jungle Jill Scott who is making her Soccer Aid debut. Olympic sprinting legend Usain Bolt is back off the starting block as the World XI captain and The Last Leg co-host Alex Brooker, who was the first-ever physically disabled person in the game, returns this year
The match was last held at Old Trafford in 2020 behind closed doors, in line with Covid protocols at the time, and with fans it was last held at Old Trafford in 2018 and was a sell-out. In 2021 it was held at the Etihad Stadium and last year, raising a record-breaking £15million it took place at London Stadium.
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The match ended 4-1 with penalties to Soccer Aid World XI, taking them into the overall lead with 6-5 wins since the inaugural 2006 match. England are without a win since 2018 and the last time they won was at Old Trafford.
Also making their debut this year will be Arsenal under 18s head coach, Jack Wilshere, DJ Joel Corry and Manchester rapper Bugzy Malone, former Lioness Karen Carney and Chelsea’s Champions League winning defender Gary Cahill.
Returning along with Usain and Alex will be Sir Mo Farah, Bolton TV presenter Paddy McGuinness, Manchester United legends Gary Neville and Pauk Scholes, former England striker Jermain Defoe, Lone of Duty actor Vicky McClure, Chelsea women's football manager Emma Hayes, former England, Chelsea and Juventus forward Eni Aluko, former Manchester City and England goalkeeper David James, singer Tom Grennan, comedian Lee Mack, Dragon's Den entrepreneur Steven Bartlett, Love Island star Kem Cetinay, YouTube star Chunkz and former Liverpool and Spurs footballer Robbie Keane.
Top Gear and Question of Sport host Paddy will play in goal for the first-time ever as England’s celebrity goalkeeper. The match, screened on ITV, STV and ITVX, will be hosted by Dermot O’Leary and Alex Scott.
I'm A Celebrity 2023 winner Jill aid: “The Euros, The Jungle and now Soccer Aid for UNICEF – it’s the holy trinity! I’ve won two of them, so just need Soccer Aid now to complete ‘The Treble’! I think of all three, this might be the one I’m most nervous about though – just look at the names involved! Buy a ticket, support this amazing cause and cheer us on!”
Bugzy said: “Manchester – I’m coming home! Can’t believe Soccer Aid for UNICEF is in my hometown this summer – big vibes. I’m going to smash it but will need everyone to come out if we’re to beat Bolt! This might be a football match on the day – but the legacy we are creating for the world’s children is so much deeper. It’s massive.”
Joel Corry said: “I’ve played some big gigs in my time – but this is going to be up there. I know the atmosphere at Old Trafford is going to be electric. Everyone I’ve spoken to has told me what a great day it is and of course the fans are a huge part of that. Playing at Old Trafford will be a dream come true and I hope as many of you as possible can come along and support.”
Jack Wilshere said: “I am really looking forward to lacing up my boots again – and playing with some of my old friends. I can’t tell you how good these legends are and I’m told a few of the celebrities are quite handy too! As a father to young children, taking part in this game has extra significance for me – and I would urge people to buy tickets and show their support too.”
Manchester spoken word poet Mark Forster has written a poem for this year's event. He said: "Manchester has got a phenomenal identity. Bringing it back to Manchester is where the best football is! It's great for Manchester as a city. So awesome that Bugzy is representing Manchester."
Soccer Aid has raised over £75 million for UNICEF since 2006, Money raised this year could help UNICEF protect children from disease and malnutrition, keep them safe in times of crisis and get them back to school. A family of four (two adults, two children) can attend for £60. Tickets are on sale now via socceraid.org.uk/tickets.
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