Hollywood star makes unlikely cameo at Soccer Aid as hosts speechless
Soccer Aid 2025 may involve a football pitch and players, but the main goal is to raise funds for UNICEF UK, supporting initiatives that provide life-saving assistance to children worldwide. The event, founded by Robbie Williams in 2006, involves celebrities from near and far, and this year even included a surprise cameo by none other than Julia Roberts.
Before the game had even begun, hosts Dermot O'Leary and Alex Scott were on the football pitch discussing the atmosphere and turnout, before Dermott announced that Hollywood actress Julia Roberts had been spotted in the stadium.
Dermot said: 'The atmosphere is coming along very nicely and, I'll tell you what, anyone who is anyone is here tonight, including a certain Julia Roberts'. Fellow host Alex looked like she was hearing the news for the first time as she repeated the Pretty Woman actress' name in astonishment before Dermot added: 'Apparently, she is a Manchester United fan'.
Julia then popped up on the camera as she was seen walking into the stadium, looking the part in a red blazer with large footballs printed all over it. The actress was showing off her signature smile as she prepared for the exciting football match ahead.
Since its inception, Soccer Aid has raised over £106 million, with the 2024 match alone contributing £15 million. The match features two teams: England and the Soccer Aid World XI. This year, the England team was co-managed by former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and ex-England striker Wayne Rooney, who also played in the match.
The England squad comprised a mix of football legends and celebrities, including Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Joe Hart, Steph Houghton, Toni Duggan, Jill Scott, Jermain Defoe, Louis Tomlinson, Mo Farah, Sam Thompson, Steven Bartlett, Tom Grennan, Sam Quek, and Paddy McGuinness.
The Soccer Aid World XI featured international football stars such as Leonardo Bonucci, Edwin van der Sar, Nemanja Vidić, Carlos Tévez, and David Trezeguet. Celebrities like Dermot Kennedy and YouTuber Tobi Brown also participated.
Soccer Aid was created by Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes in 2006, with the inaugural match held at Old Trafford. It initially took place every two years but is now an annual event, with matches played at various iconic stadiums, including Wembley Stadium and Stamford Bridge. The 2025 edition marked the 14th instalment of the charity match.
Females were first allowed to play in the game in 2019 and it is the only mixed-sex match officially sanctioned by The Football Association.
The charity football match follows after Sam Thompson completed the 'Match Ball Mission' and transported the Soccer Aid for UNICEF match ball more than 260 miles from last year's stadium, Stamford Bridge in London, to Old Trafford in Manchester.
Sam helped raise over £ 1.5 million and said: 'To everyone who has donated, I've said it before but I'll say it a million times, you are so heroic. This money will help so many children!'
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