Danny Dyer appeared visibly fatigued while Tom Hiddleston opted for an ice-cold plunge to recover following Soccer Aid training in Tring on Friday. The duo are among the celebrities preparing for the annual charity football match, scheduled for May 31 at London Stadium in Stratford.
Training Highlights
EastEnders star Danny rested at the side of the pitch with his hands on his hips after the session. Olly Murs, Sam Thompson, and Jack Whitehall were seen kicking the ball around, while GK Barry worked on her skills. Like Tom, other celebrities made use of Old Spice's recovery tent, braving ice baths and relaxing.
UNICEF UK Ambassador and Soccer Aid founder Robbie Williams will coach England's all-star team at this year's game. The match will feature Jill Scott, Gary Neville, and Wayne Rooney competing against comedian Paddy McGuinness and Olympic gold medalist Mo Farah in front of thousands of fans.
Youngest Player Ever
Adolescence actor Owen Cooper, aged 16, has become the youngest star ever selected for Soccer Aid's 20th anniversary game. He will join 32 players, including GK Barry and AngryGinge, on the pitch on May 31. Owen said: "I'm incredibly proud to be playing at Soccer Aid for UNICEF in its twentieth anniversary year. I wasn't even born when the first Soccer Aid took place but I'm a big fan. Becoming the youngest player to take part is a real honour and I'm excited to step out at the London Stadium. This event raises vital funds to help children grow up safe, healthy and able to play – and I'm grateful to be part of such an important cause."
This is the 20th anniversary of the game, which has raised over £121 million for UNICEF since the first match in 2006.
Star-Studded Lineup
Wayne Rooney, Damson Idris, Usain Bolt, Jordan North, Joe Marler, Olly Murs, Paddy McGuinness, Big Zuu, Richard Gadd, Maisie Adam, and Gladiator's Nitro will also showcase their skills. Hollywood actor and UNICEF UK Ambassador Tom Hiddleston is back and vows to pass the ball to a professional as soon as he is in possession.
UNICEF UK Ambassador Robbie will manage England and can call on rugby player Joe Marler as his celebrity goalkeeper. The Traitors star will share the gloves with Paddy, who will become the record appearance holder when he takes to the pitch, having appeared nine times so far.
Wayne Rooney will provide on-pitch leadership and skill. Damson Idris, star of the F1 film, is the third star actor to sign up, while GK Barry is taking tips from her footballer partner Ella Rutherford, who plays for Portsmouth FC. There is an I'm a Celeb theme too, with Jordan North playing for the first time. The Burnley fan will hope to form a powerhouse partnership with fellow northerner Angry Ginge, who was the 2025 Player of the Match.
Usain Bolt will, for the first time, manage the Soccer Aid World XI FC. The sprint king is back at the scene of his 2012 London Olympics gold rush. He will have attacking talent like Big Zuu, along with Scotland's Jen Beattie and two-time World Cup winning US international Ali Krieger. Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, Euro 2020 winner Leonardo Bonucci, and debutant Jordi Alba will make up Usain's team.
Robbie Williams' Excitement
UNICEF UK Ambassador and Soccer Aid co-founder Robbie Williams said: "I'm incredibly proud to be celebrating 20 years of Soccer Aid for UNICEF this year, it's one of the most important things to me. Last year's event raised more money than ever and £121 million raised since we started – genuinely life-changing. Let's hope we can break the record again this year. Can't wait to see you there."
Wayne Rooney added: "I can't wait for this year's Soccer Aid for UNICEF and to pull on the England shirt one more time for the twentieth anniversary. It's England against World XI at the London Stadium on 31st May and this year we want nothing less than an England win. Me, Coleen and the boys love the atmosphere and the brilliant family occasion that Soccer Aid for UNICEF always is. The kids enjoy seeing football legends alongside their favourite celebrities and influencers on the same pitch. Last year, Coleen travelled to Poland with UNICEF and saw first-hand how the money raised is supporting children with disabilities who fled the war in Ukraine, so they can continue their education and simply be kids once again. So please buy a ticket and support this amazing cause, which changes children's lives around the world."
A special 20th anniversary extended half-time show will also see Robbie take to the stage.
