England for the win! The squad ended the World XI’s 5-year winning streak and finally secured their first win since 2018.
Soccer Aid has become a huge part of British culture. The annual charity football match in the United Kingdom aims to raise funds for the United Nations Children’s Fund, more commonly known as UNICEF.
The Purpose of Soccer Aid
The event was initiated in 2006 by singers Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes, with the aim of combining entertainment with charity. The event features celebrities and former professional footballers.
Recapping the Epic Night
The football match took place at Stamford Bridge, with the England squad featuring Joe Cole, Ellen White, Jermain Defoe, Theo Walcott, and Steven Bartlett.
Former Chelsea footballer Joe Cole secured the lead for the England squad early on, scoring a goal. However, Eden Hazard equalized to make it 1-1 with a flawless goal.
The World XI quickly took charge, with Alessandro securing a goal for the squad, assisted by Usain Bolt.
But the England squad didn’t back down. Ellen White gained the equalizer for England, making it 2-2 after superb footwork from Joe Cole in the build-up. Ellen also made history as the first woman to score in Soccer Aid.
Minutes after half-time, Steven Bartlett’s excellent finish put the Three Lions back in front before Jermain Defoe secured the lead, making it 4-2. Unfortunately, Usain Bolt suffered an injury requiring a stretcher, later revealed to be a ruptured Achilles tendon.
The match then went to penalties. Billy Wingrove scored for the World XI to make it 5-3, but Theo Walcott secured England’s victory, their first Soccer Aid win since 2018.
Soccer Aid Winners Through the Years
England’s triumph at Stamford Bridge means they have now taken home 6 wins since Soccer Aid was first established. They are still one behind the World XI, who have seven triumphs to their name. Let’s take a look back at the results of all the Soccer Aid games since its inception in 2006:
- 2006: England 2-1 Rest of the World
- 2008: England 4-3 Rest of the World
- 2010: England 2-2 Rest of the World (6-7 on penalties)
- 2012: England 3-1 Rest of the World
- 2014: England 2-4 Rest of the World
- 2016: England 3-2 Rest of the World
- 2018: England 3-3 World XI (4-3 on penalties)
- 2019: England 2-2 World XI (1-3 on penalties)
- 2020: England 1-1 World XI (3-4 on penalties)
- 2021: England 0-3 World XI
- 2022: England 2-2 World XI (1-4 on penalties)
- 2023: England 2-4 World XI
- 2024: England 6-3 World XI
The Importance of Soccer Aid
While Soccer Aid is an event of entertainment and laughter, it continues to make a huge contribution to the youth. This year alone, the event raised £15 million for the United Nations Children’s Fund.
The event raises a significant amount of awareness, educating young people about the challenges that children across the globe face, such as poverty, lack of access to education, and healthcare. It highlights the work that UNICEF does in addressing such challenges and promotes global citizenship within the community.
It is so important to give back and take part in charity and philanthropy. The involvement of high-profile celebrities, schools, and youth organizations promotes collective effort and community spirit. Over the years, Soccer Aid has featured several notable celebrities such as Olly Murs, Usain Bolt, Mo Farah, David Beckham, and Gordon Ramsay.
Soccer Aid is a widely popular broadcast event, watched by millions on ITV and attended by over 50,000 guests in the last 2 years. It successfully combines entertainment with charity, as well as a unique blend of sports and celebrity culture, making it a highly anticipated fixture in the sporting calendar.
Conclusively, Soccer Aid is not only a highly entertaining event but a memorable and charitable one. Its work and achievements continue to resonate with fans, participating celebrities, and the media across the globe.
