Soccer Aid 2024: Celeb players announced for annual charity match (2024)

Soccer Aid for UNICEF2024 has announced it's celebrity players ahead of the annual charity matchon Sunday 9th June at Stamford Bridge.

The event will once again be hosted by Alex Scott and Dermot O'Leary while Bobby Brazier and Tommy Fury will be leading the stars onto the pitch.

I'm A Celeb winner and Lionesses legend Jill Scott returns to captain the England side against the World XI, who will once again be led by Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt.

Bobby, Sam Thompson, The Crown's Erin Doherty, Frank Lampard and Gladiator's Diamond will all make their debuts at this years charity match.

Joining the likes of returning starsPaddy McGuinness, Sir Mo Farah, Alex Brooker and Roman Kemp, with more big names yet to be confirmed.

And now the amateur players have donned their specially commissioned Euro 96' kits by Adidas for the first time to mark tickets for the game going on sale.

Former Strictly star Bobby said: 'To have the opportunity to take part in this year's Soccer Aid for UNICEF, is amazing! We all know what a great cause this is and you can help support it too - tickets are on sale today'.

'I'm hoping that all my dance training will help with my endurance when I'm up against Usain Bolt and company! It might even give me the twinkle toes needed for some silky skills - we'll see!'.

Before going on to say: 'I'm actually a Spurs fan, so technically I'll be playing behind enemy lines at Stamford Bridge - but I'm keeping that a secret. It would be great to score a goal in the game. Who knows - I'll have to have a think what my celebration will be. Looking forward to seeing you all on Sunday 9th June'.

Since 2006 - when UNICEF UK Ambassador Robbie Williams co-founded the concept - Soccer Aid for UNICEF has raised over £90 million.

With the proceeds supporting UNICEF's vital work helping millions of children around the world with last year's game raising a record-breaking £14.6 million.

Robbie said: 'Soccer Aid for UNICEF is one of the biggest sources of joy in my life. It is an amazing event. When we launched this nearly two decades ago, I would never have dreamed it would raise as much money as it has'.

'The main reason the match continues to be such a success, is because the great British public continue to be so generous in supporting UNICEF's work helping children around the world have happy, healthy, play-filled childhood's.

Adding: 'Once again, I am kindly asking you to buy a ticket to the game on Sunday 9th June at Stamford Bridge - the line-up is as star-studded as ever! Thank you for all of your continued support'.

Frank Lampard, one of Chelsea's greatest-ever players, makes a return to Stamford Bridge - and will manage England. The former Blues' midfielder, who scored 147 goals for the south-west Londoners over 13 years, will take charge of the Three Lions alongside his uncle, Harry Redknapp.

While current Chelsea Manager Mauricio Pochettino will take charge of the Soccer Aid World XI FC for the second year running.

Frank said: 'Playing in front of a sold-out crowd at Stamford Bridge is special - for any player, on any occasion. I'm excited to be doing that again - this time with Soccer Aid for UNICEF'.

'Managing the England Soccer Aid team with Harry will be a proud moment and great fun but the main focus is rightly on the millions of pounds we can all raise together. So, please buy your tickets for Sunday 9th June and lend us your support'.

Last year's match sawEngland beaten for a fifth consecutive year byWorld XI FC in a 4-2 result.

Usain Bolt captained his side to another success in a team also featuring footballing legends Hernan Crespo and Roberto Carlos, while England were captained by Euros-winning Lioness Jill Scott.

Women's World Cup winner Heather O'Reilly was in midfield, and she was joined by the likes of Crespo, Carlos, Darren Fletcher and Francesco Totti. They also had Ben Foster in goal, who is still a professional with Wrexham.

Aside from their captain Jill Scott, the England side features a number of other England legends with the likes of Karen Carney, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, Jack Wilshere, Jermaine Defoe, Gary Cahill and David James all in the squad.

Soccer Aid for United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) 2023 had raised more than £14.6 million by the time the match was over.

Tickets for Soccer Aid 2024 are on sale now visit www.socceraid.org.uk