Tyson Fury, Wayne Rooney Captain England vs World XI in Soccer Aid 2025; Sam Thompson, Louis Tomlinson Join Lineup

Soccer Aid 2025: England vs World XI – Star-Studded Charity Match Kicks Off
By Daniel Davis | Updated: 19:15 BST, 15 June 2025

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The annual Soccer Aid charity match thrilled fans today as England faced off against the World XI at a packed Old Trafford. Celebrities, athletes, and football legends joined forces to raise millions for UNICEF, with Tyson Fury and Wayne Rooney captaining the Three Lions, while Sam Thompson and Louis Tomlinson led the global squad.

Team Lineups & Star Power

England Squad Highlights:

Tyson Fury (Co-Captain): The heavyweight boxing champion brought his signature charisma to the pitch.
Wayne Rooney (Co-Captain): England’s all-time top scorer returned for another charity appearance.
Billy Wingrove: Freestyle footballer and social media sensation.
Theo Walcott: Retired Premier League winger adding pace to the attack.

World XI Standouts:

Sam Thompson (Co-Captain): Made in Chelsea star turned energetic midfielder.
Louis Tomlinson (Co-Captain): Former One Direction singer and lifelong football enthusiast.
Eden Hazard: Ex-Chelsea and Real Madrid maestro showcasing his dribbling skills.
Heurelho Gomes: Veteran goalkeeper providing comic relief and crucial saves.

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Match Highlights

The game kicked off with fireworks as Rooney nearly scored within five minutes, only to be denied by Gomes’ acrobatics. Fury entertained fans with his towering presence in defense, humorously “juggling” the ball with his boxing footwork.

The World XI struck first via a stunning volley from ex-Arsenal striker Yaya Sanogo, but England equalized when Walcott tapped in a cross from YouTuber Chunkz. At halftime, the score stood at 1-1, with UNICEF announcing a record £8 million raised so far.

Charity Impact

Since its 2006 debut, Soccer Aid has raised over £90 million for UNICEF, funding vaccines, education, and emergency aid for children worldwide. This year’s event featured heartwarming stories of beneficiaries, including 12-year-old Maria from Ukraine, who thanked donors for rebuilding her school.

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Celebrity Cameos & Fan Reactions

Singer Liam Payne cheered from the stands, later joking he’d “save his legs for next year.”
Usain Bolt, a Soccer Aid veteran, praised the event: “It’s about fun, but the cause is everything.”
Viewers loved Fury’s spirited play, with one tweet going viral: “Fury just header-butted the ball… and won.”

Final Score & How to Donate

The match ended 3-2 to the World XI after a late penalty by Tomlinson. Fans can still donate at socceraid.org.uk, with £15 providing life-saving food kits for 10 children.

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Relive the action on ITV Player and stay tuned for Soccer Aid 2026!

Images: Getty, Reuters, Daily Mail.
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