Watch: Nicky Byrne makes 'professional level' double save at Soccer Aid
The Westlife singer lined out for the World XI team who faced England in the annual Unicef Soccer Aid charity match.
The charity football event took place in Manchester United's home ground with a string of legendary soccer players returning to the pitch alongside a range of celebrities from actors to podcasters. Nicky Byrne was In A World of His Own on Sunday night after he made a 'professional level' double save during goal-keeping duties in Old Trafford. Pic: Stella Pictures/REX/Shutterstock
The first half of the game saw the Legends in the goals for their respective teams, while the second half of the game gave celebrities a chance to make some saves.
Dubliner Byrne was in the goals for the World XI team, and made an outrageous double save against opposition actor Dean Lennox Kelly and podcaster Stephen Bartlett.
The double goal-scoring attempt happened just two minutes into Byrne taking up his position in goals with the 46-year-old barely phased with the instant pressure England tried to put on him.
Superb double save 😱 @NickyByrne
Watch Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025 live on @ITV, @ITVX and @WeAreSTV 📺 pic.twitter.com/xTufkrq57K — Soccer Aid (@socceraid) June 15, 2025
Following the saves, one commentator praised the singer for 'two professional level saves.'
Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their own praise of the singer and presenter with one writing: 'He's a legend! Best goalkeeper for sure! Best podcaster! Best singer! Best boss.'
Another added: 'Well done Nicky.' Dermot Kennedy also lined out for the World XI team. Pic: Ryan Browne/REX/Shutterstock
Paddy Power's Official account commented: 'What a double save from Nicky Byrne, he's in a world of his own.'
A minute later, the father-of-three was handed a yellow card by referee Rebecca Welch for handballing an effort from Jermain Defoe outside the area.
As a youngster, Nicky played football for St Kevin's Boys in Dublin before turning to the professional ranks and joining Leeds United as a goalkeeper in 1995. The World XI team won 5-4 with £15m (€17,600) raised for Unicef on the night. Pic: Ryan Browne/REX/Shutterstock
After two years with the British club, Byrne joined Shelbourne, and also had a stint with Cobh Ramblers.
At underage level, Nicky played for the Republic of Ireland. Though he retired as a soccer player, he's been well known to frequent charity matches such as Soccer Aid and also played as a substitute for Liverpool Legends XI in 2009.
Other Irish stars lining out for the World XI on Sunday night included Giants singer Dermot Kennedy as well as Irish football manager John O'Shea.
Opposition team members included former Manchester United players Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney as well as former One Direction star Louis Tomlinson.
Check out the full highlights of the epic clash that saw the World XI team winning 5-4 with £15m (€17,600) raised for Unicef below.
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