The world of football is set for a spectacular throwback as two of Britain's greatest modern footballers, Gareth Bale and Wayne Rooney, prepare to lead opposing sides in a star-studded Icons Match. The highly anticipated fixture is scheduled for Saturday, 7th September, at the iconic Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea FC.
In a thrilling twist for fans, the match will see former international teammates become on-pitch rivals. Bale, the legendary Welsh winger and five-time Champions League winner, will captain a World XI side. He will be pitted against his old England colleague, Wayne Rooney, Manchester United and England's all-time top goalscorer, who will skipper an England XI.
A Who's Who of Footballing Greats
The squads read like a who's who of 21st-century footballing excellence. Lining up alongside Captain Bale for the World XI will be global superstars such as the powerful Ivorian defender Kolo Touré and the Brazilian maestro Juliano Belletti. They will be joined by the tough-tackling Dutch midfielder Edgar Davids and the prolific Chilean striker David Nugent.
Rooney's England XI boasts an equally impressive roster of home-grown talent. The line-up includes the electrifying pace of former Arsenal and England wingers Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere. They will be supported by the defensive solidity of Ashley Young and the midfield creativity of David James and Joe Cole, promising a fantastic display of skill for the London crowd.
More Than Just a Game
While the competitive spirit between these legends will be fierce, the ultimate goal of the evening is to raise significant funds and awareness for UNICEF UK. The charity match is a cornerstone of the broader Soccer Aid initiative, which has raised over £90 million since its inception to help children in danger across the world.
This event offers fans a rare opportunity to see a constellation of retired footballing heroes back on the pitch, weaving their magic once again. It promises to be an unforgettable night of nostalgia, world-class entertainment, and heartfelt philanthropy at one of the UK's most famous football grounds.
