Former Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City players are among the ex-footballers joining big name celebrities at Soccer Aid in 2026
Premier League legends from clubs including Arsenal and Manchester United will be among the big sporting names joined by Champions League winner Jordi Alba in the 2026 edition of charity fixture Soccer Aid.
Former Barcelona star Alba, who retired in 2025, is one of nine debutants set to feature this year. He is also one of two European Championships winners, with iconic Italy centre-back Leonardo Bonucci returning after catching the eye last year.
A number of well-known celebrities are also set to take part, including Adolescence actor Owen Cooper – the youngest participant in either squad at only 16 years of age – and Gladiators star and ex-Team GB Olympian Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, more commonly known as Nitro.
Alba is one of three footballers set for a first appearance in the charity game, which will take place at the London Stadium in May. United States women’s international Ali Krieger and former Arsenal and Scotland women’s star Jen Beattie are the others set to feature in the mixed-gender fixture.
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Since its first edition back in 2006, Soccer Aid has generated an impressive £121million for Unicef. The 20th anniversary edition sees the match return to London after taking place at Old Trafford in Manchester last year, with former England internationals Wayne Rooney, Theo Walcott and Joe Hart among the others signed up for the game.
Nine newcomers will be making their Soccer Aid debuts, with ex-pros Alba, Beattie and Krieger – joined by celebrities in GK Barry, Owen Cooper, Damson Idris, Joe Marler, Nitro and Jordan North. Dermot O’Leary and Alex Scott will present the match, which will also include an extended half-time show to mark Soccer Aid’s 20th anniversary.
The classic England XI versus World XI format continues, with the World XI having clinched a dramatic 5-4 victory in 2025. England’s most recent win came in 2024, with Walcott and Jermain Defoe scoring that night and chasing more goals this time around.
Soccer Aid co-founder Robbie Williams will manage the England team from the touchline. Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt, who scored in the 2023 edition as a player, will be on managerial duty for the World XI.
“It’s an absolute dream come true for me to be playing in Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2026,” Gladiators star Nitro said. “I’m a massive football fan and a big kid at heart. I’ve never stopped playing, whether that’s been on the playground, the athletics track, the Gladiator arena — and now the football pitch. I’ve watched Soccer Aid for years and now I get to share the experience of being involved with my daughter, who’s even more excited than I am!
“Fellow Gladiator Diamond, who played last year, told me it’s one of the best things she’s ever done. Childhood should be all about play, imagination and fun but for so many children around the world that freedom is taken away by things completely outside their control, like conflict, disease and disasters.
“That’s why being part of this incredible match, playing alongside legends of the game and supporting UNICEF’s life-changing work, means so much to me. I’m proud to be involved and I hope we can raise even more than last year. Please come and support us on Sunday May 31.”
Footballers confirmed for Soccer Aid 2026: Jordi Alba, Jen Beattie, Ali Krieger, Leonardo Bonucci, Jermain Defoe, Toni Duggan, Joe Hart, Steph Houghton, Wayne Rooney, Edwin van der Sar, Jill Scott, Theo Walcott.
Celebrities confirmed for Soccer Aid 2026: GK Barry, Owen Cooper, Damson Idris, Joe Marler, Nitro, Jordan North, Maisie Adam, Usain Bolt, Alex Brooker, Richard Gadd, Angry Ginge, Tom Grennan, Tom Hiddleston, Paddy McGuinness, Olly Murs, Sam Thompson, Robbie Williams, Big Zuu.
The twentieth anniversary of Soccer Aid for UNICEF takes place on Sunday 31st May at the London Stadium. Tickets are on sale now at socceraid.org.uk/tickets
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