TV stars and musicians are set to face off at Soccer Aid 2025 this weekend, as the charity football match returns to Manchester’s Old Trafford.
Players in Sunday’s game will include One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson, presenter Paddy McGuinness, comedian Lee Mack and boxer Tyson Fury.
They will be joined by Strictly dancer Gorka Marquez, adventurer Bear Grylls and Gladiators’ Diamond, as well as former professional players such as Wayne Rooney.
The Unicef fundraiser, which began in 2006, pits an England side against a World XI – but who has been victorious the most times?
Which team has won Soccer Aid the most times?
The World XI have won Soccer Aid seven times, making them the event’s most successful team. England, the reigning champions, have lifted the trophy six times.
England won the first two editions of Soccer Aid, held in 2006 and 2008, when it was a biannual event. Singer and presenter Jonathan Wilkes scored in each game.
The World XI picked up their first victory in 2010. Zombieland actor Woody Harrelson scored the decisive penalty in a 7-6 shootout win, following a 2-2 draw.
England got back to winning ways in 2012, with Wilkes netting again in a 3-1 victory. But the game is best remembered for a stunning goal by Kasabian musician Sergio Pizzorno, who deftly chipped the ball over former England goalkeeper David Seaman.
The World XI triumphed in 2014 thanks to a hat-trick from Dutch legend Clarence Seedorf, but England won back-to-back games in 2016 and 2018.
Soccer Aid became an annual game in 2019. The World XI subsequently dominated, winning all five editions held between then and 2023. But England lifted the trophy last year, with Dragons’ Den star Steven Bartlett scoring twice in a 6-3 win.
Who has played in Soccer Aid the most times?
David Seaman has made the most appearances at Soccer Aid. The former Arsenal shot-stopper played in each of the first eight games.
Tipping Point presenter Ben Shephard and pop star Olly Murs have played seven times each, as has ex-Liverpool player Jamie Redknapp.
Love Island’s Kem Cetinay has scored five goals at Soccer Aid, more than any other player. He netted in each of his four appearances, including a brace in 2021.
Soccer Aid 2025 will air at 6pm on ITV1 on 15 June
