The actor rose to fame on the hit Stephen Graham Netflix series Adolescence last year
Owen Cooper has made history by becoming the youngest Soccer Aid participant in the event’s history as players for its 2026 installment were revealed.
The 16-year-old actor rose to fame last year when he starred alongside Stephen Graham in Netflix sensation Adolescence. The series followed Graham as a father struggling to deal with what his teenage son, played by Cooper, is capable of after he’s charged with the murder of a teenage girl.
Consisting of four episodes, each one was filmed using the one-shot technique. Praised for how it handles themes of toxic masculinity and social media, Adolescence was made available to all secondary schools across the UK. On top of this, it was a big winner this awards season, with Cooper winning an Emmy and a Golden Globe.
Since starring in one of the most-watched UK programmes of all time, Cooper has gone on to appear in a Sam Fender music video and made an appearance in Emerald Fennell’s hit adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights.
It was announced on Tuesday (March 3) that Cooper will make his debut at Soccer Aid as part of the England team, becoming the youngest player to participate in the charity event in the process.
Despite not being born when the first Soccer Aid took place, Cooper said that he’s a ‘big fan’ of the fundraising event and thinks making history with his age is a ‘real honour’. Other debutants playing at the London Stadium in May to raise money for UNICEF include F1 star Damson Idris and internet personality GK Barry.
Cooper said: “I’m incredibly proud to be playing at Soccer Aid for UNICEF in its 20th anniversary year. I wasn’t even born when the first Soccer Aid took place but I’m a big fan! Becoming the youngest player to take part is a real honour and I’m excited to step out at the London Stadium on May 31.
“This event raises vital funds to help children grow up safe, healthy and able to play – and I’m grateful to be part of such an important cause.”
Also among the debutants this year are former rugby player Joe Marler, Radio DJ Jordan North and Gladiator Nitro, whose real name is Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. The latter was seen competing on Strictly Come Dancing last year.
Making reference to his stint on the Celebrity Traitors last autumn, Marler joked that he will be ‘faithful’ to an ‘amazing cause’ as he swaps the rugby pitch for the football pitch. While North noted that he’s ‘excited and slightly terrified’ to take part.
Those returning to Soccer Aid to play in the England team include former England footballer Jill Scott, TV presenter Paddy McGuinness, singer Olly Murs and actor Tom Hiddleston. They will be joined by singer-songwriter Tom Grennan and reality TV star Sam Thompson.
Stars returning to play in the Soccer Aid World XI FC team include Olympic runner Usain Bolt, comedian Maisie Adam, rapper Big Zuu, Scottish actor Richard Gadd and The Last Leg’s Alex Brooker.
Music star Robbie Williams, who co-founded the concept which raises money for children around the world, will also return to the pitch and be a part of this year’s England management team.
This year’s show will be hosted by Unicef UK ambassador and This Morning presenter Dermot O’Leary, who will be joined by sports presenter and former footballer Alex Scott, while broadcaster Sam Matterface returns as commentator.
To commemorate 60 years since England won the World Cup, the England team will take to the pitch in the white home kit from the 1966 match, while the Soccer Aid World XI FC will wear a bespoke Adidas kit.
The game will be played with the same footballs being used in the World Cup this summer. More famous participants will be revealed in the coming weeks and a 20th anniversary half-time entertainment show will also be announced.
Soccer Aid will be broadcast on ITV1, STV and ITVX on May 31.