Soccer Aid is back as a host of celebrities and former professional footballers take part in the annual charity match this evening to raise money for Unicef.
Since its inception in 2006, Soccer Aid has raised over £90m as crowds flock to see legends of the sport and famous faces from other fields compete over 90 minutes.
Last year’s edition was held at Old Trafford, with the World XI extending their winning run to five games with a 4-2 victory over England, and Stamford Bridge will host this time around.
Recently-departed Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino will manage the World XI for the second consecutive year, while England have recruited another man familiar with the Stamford Bridge dugout in the form of ex-Blues player and manager Frank Lampard.
Here’s what you need to know about both teams.
Which celebrities are playing?
The full line-ups have now been confirmed with a number of celebrities and football legends set to play in the 2024 event, while YouTuber Billy Wingrove – who is part of F2Freestylers – will be the Soccer Aid skills coach helping both sides
Former Chelsea player Eden Hazard will make his long-awaited return to Stamford Bridge after he retired in October last year and will be joined on the World XI by the likes of former Real Madrid full-back Roberto Carlos, Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero and another Chelsea star of yesteryear, Michael Essien.
The world’s fastest man Usain Bolt returns to captain the World XI for another edition and will be joined by a slew of celebrities including radio DJ Roman Kemp, actors Martin Compston and Emmett J Scanlan and comedian Lee Mack.
England’s team will once again be captained by former Lionesses midfielder Jill Scott, with Joe Cole, Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere and Jermain Defoe among the other high-profile former players set to take part.
The team will also feature former England cricketer Stuart Broard and Olympic long-distance running legend Sir Mo Farah as well as celebrity figures including actor Tom Hiddleston, singer Tom Grennan, boxing promoter Eddie Hearn and actor Erin Doherty.
England
Coaches: Frank Lampard, Harry Redknapp, Vicky McClure, Robbie Williams, David Seaman
Legends: Jill Scott (Captain), Gary Cahill, Karen Carney, Joe Cole, Jermain Defoe, David James, Theo Walcott, Ellen White, Jack Wilshere
Celebrities: Steven Bartlett, Bobby Brazier, Stuart Broad, Alex Brooker, Erin Doherty, Danny Dyer, Sir Mo Farah, Tom Grennan, Eddie Hearn, Tom Hiddleston, Paddy McGuinness, Miniminter, Sam Quek, Sam Thompson
World XI
Coaches: Mauricio Pochettino, Robbie Keane, Jesus Perez
Legends: Eden Hazard, Roberto Carlos, Petr Cech, Patrice Evra, John Obi Mikel, Michael Essien, Alessandro Del Piero, Kheira Hamraoui, Olga Garcia, Kaylyn Kyle
Celebrities: Usain Bolt (Captain), Maisie Adam, Theo Baker, Tony Bellew, Martin Compston, Diamond, Tommy Fury, Roman Kemp, Lee Mack, Jason Manford, Emmett J Scanlan, Micheal Ward, Tion Wayne
When is Soccer Aid 2024?
The 2024 edition of Soccer Aid will take place on Sunday 9 June, with kick-off at 7.30pm. The match will be hosted at Stamford Bridge, London.
How can I watch it?
As usual, viewers in the United Kingdom will be able to watch the match for free on ITV1 or online via ITVX. Coverage starts from 6pm
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