Soccer Aid 2024: History, Kick Off, Lineup, How It happened, Teams, Memorable Moments, Previous Games And Everything To Know
Date and Venue:
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- The 2024 Soccer Aid took place on Sunday, June 9 at Stamford Bridge in London.
- The match featured England facing off against the Soccer Aid World XI FC.
History
- Soccer Aid was established in 2006 by the British singer-songwriter Robbie Williams and his friend Jonathan Wilkes. Their vision was to create an annual charity football match that would bring together celebrities, football legends, and professional players for a great cause.
- The primary goal of Soccer Aid is to raise funds for UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund. UNICEF also works globally to provide health care, education, nutrition, and protection to children in need.
- The inaugural Soccer Aid match took place at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, and it has since become a highly anticipated event on the football calendar.
- Over the years, Soccer Aid has featured a mix of famous faces, former football stars, and current players, all coming together to showcase their skills and entertain fans while supporting a vital cause.
- The match format typically involves a World XI team (composed of international celebrities and football legends) also competing against an England XI team (featuring British celebrities and former players).
- Soccer Aid has not only raised substantial funds but has also increased awareness about global child welfare issues. It’s a celebration of football’s universal appeal and its ability to make a positive impact.
Kick Off
- Soccer Aid 2024 took place on Sunday, June 9, 2024.
Teams:
England XI vs. Soccer Aid World XI (formerly Rest of the World)
Result:
England won 6-3, ending their six-year wait for victory.
Memorable Moments
- Ellen White’s Historic Goal: Ellen White, England’s all-time leading goal scorer for the Women’s national team, became the first woman to score at Soccer Aid. Her tap-in leveled the game at 2-2.
- Steven Bartlett’s Double: TV personality and Dragon’s Den investor Steven Bartlett also scored two crucial goals for England in the second half, securing their victory.
- Joe Cole vs. Eden Hazard: Former Chelsea stars Joe Cole and Eden Hazard exchanged early goals, setting the stage for an exciting match.
- Late Goals: Jermain Defoe and Theo Walcott scored late goals for England, sealing their triumph.
Purpose:
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- Created by Robbie Williams in 2006, Soccer Aid aims to ensure that children everywhere have the best possible start in life.
- Funds raised support UNICEF, helping create and protect safe spaces for children to play, providing vaccines, protecting mental health, and responding during crises.
Lineup
- Lacing up their boots again this year are team favorites:
- Usain Bolt
- Sir Mo Farah
- Also Roman Kemp
- Martin Compston
- Steven Bartlett
- They’ll be joined by footballing legends:
- Jermain Defoe
- Jill Scott
- Also David James
- Gary Cahill
- Joe Cole
- Also Karen Carney
- New signings for this summer include:
- Stuart Broad (cricketer)
- Sam Thompson (King of the Jungle)
- Bobby Brazier (Strictly Come Dancing star)
- Eden Hazard (footballing legend and former Chelsea icon).
Managers
- England Manager: Frank Lampard
- Soccer Aid World XI Manager: Mauricio Pochettino
How It Happened
- Early goals by Joe Cole (England) and Eden Hazard (World XI).
- Ellen White (England) leveled the game at 2-2.
- Steven Bartlett (TV personality) also scored twice for England.
- England secured a superb 6-3 victory.
Teams
- England XI (Managed by Frank Lampard)
- Soccer Aid World XI (Managed by Mauricio Pochettino)
Donations:
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- The 2024 match raised more than £15 million, taking the total raised since 2006 well beyond the £100 million mark.
Previous Games
- Soccer Aid has been an annual charity event since 2006, raising over £106 million for UNICEF UK. It features a friendly match between England and the Soccer Aid World XI (formerly Rest of the World). Notable past editions include:
- 2018: World XI won, but England triumphed this year.
- 2020: England lost in a penalty shootout.
- 2023: England secured their first victory in six years.
