Soccer Aid has raised an unprecedented sum for UNICEF during its annual charity football match, which featured celebrities such as Joe Marler and Angry Ginge. The event, co-founded by Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes in 2026, generated a staggering £16.5 million for the children's aid organization, surpassing all previous records.
Record-Breaking Fundraising Total
The grand total of £16.5 million was announced just before the broadcast ended, with Robbie Williams performing his hit song 'Feel' during halftime. This year's contribution brings the cumulative amount raised by Soccer Aid to an impressive £137 million. Over £1 million of the total came from Olly Murs, who completed a grueling challenge involving cycling, rowing, and running 400 kilometers from Old Trafford to the London Stadium. Tom Hiddleston revealed on air that Murs raised £1,342,214.
Celebrity Appearances and Highlights
Before the match, Tom Hanks and Tim Allen delivered the match ball, announcing that over £4.6 million had already been raised. Tim Allen delighted fans with his Buzz Lightyear catchphrase: 'To infinity and beyond!' However, a comment from Allen about penalty shots containing an expletive aired live on ITV before the watershed, going unacknowledged by the network.
The England team was led by former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney, alongside football legends Jill Scott, Jack Wilshere, and Theo Walcott. Other notable participants included Tom Hiddleston, Danny Dyer, Paddy McGuinness, Olly Murs, Joe Marler, Toni Duggan, Steph Houghton, Jordan North, Angry Ginge, GK Barry, Joe Hart, Sam Thompson, Chloe Burrows, Jack Whitehall, and Owen Cooper.
20th Anniversary Celebration
Soccer Aid marked its 20th anniversary with a spectacular showdown at the London Stadium. The annual event brings together world-class football legends and beloved celebrities to raise vital funds for UNICEF. England secured victory in this year's match, adding to the excitement of the record-breaking fundraising effort.
