Teen Sensation Owen Cooper Joins Soccer Aid Roster

Adolescence actor Owen Cooper has become the youngest ever star to be selected for Soccer Aid's 20th anniversary game.  

Owen, 16, will join 32 players including , , and AngryGinge on the pitch on Sunday May 31, at London Stadium. 

The stellar line-up was announced on Tuesday for the annual football match, held in aid of . 

Of taking part, the actor said: I'm incredibly proud to be playing at Soccer Aid for UNICEF in its twentieth 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. 

'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.' 

It comes after Owen broke the record of being the youngest person to win an Actor Award on Monday night. 

It was previously held by  who was 20 when she won her first gong for Sense and Sensibility.

The win  

Last September, aged 15, he became the youngest male actor ever to win a Primetime , earning the gong for a supporting role in a limited series or anthology.

Then in January, while studying for his GCSEs, he became the youngest ever recipient of the best supporting actor on television.

This is the twentieth anniversary of the game, which has raised more than £121 million for UNICEF since the first match in 2006. 

Wayne Rooney, Damson Idris, Usain Bolt, Jordan North, Joe Marler, Olly Murs, Paddy McGuinness, Big Zuu, Richard Gadd, Maisie Adam and Gladiator's Nitro will also show off their skills on the pitch. 

UNICEF UK Ambassador Robbie Williams will manage England and will be able to call on rugby player Joe Marler as his celebrity goalkeeper. 

The Traitors star will share the gloves with Paddy who will become the record appearance holder, when he takes to the pitch.  The comedian has, so far, appeared nine times. 

Hollywood actor and UNICEF UK Ambassador Tom Hiddleston is back – and vows to pass the ball to a professional, as soon as he is in possession. 

Wayne Rooney – one of England's greatest-ever players – will provide on-pitch leadership and skill. 

Meanwhile, star of the F1 film, Damson Idris is the third star actor to sign-up while GK Barry is taking tips from her footballer partner Ella Rutherford, who plays for Portsmouth FC. 

There is an I'm a Celeb theme too, with Jordan North also playing for the first time. 

The Burnley fan will be hoping to form a powerhouse partnership with fellow northerner Angry Ginge – who was the 2025 Player of the Match.

Usain Bolt will, for the first time, manage the Soccer Aid World XI FC.

The sprint king is back at the scene of his 2012 London Olympics gold rush. The Jamaican already has incredible attacking talent to choose from in the form of 2025's match winner, Big Zuu. 

He will be joined Scotland's Jen Beattie and two-time World Cup winning US international, Ali Krieger.

Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, Euro 2020 winner Leonardo Bonucci and debutant Jordi Alba will make up Usain's team.

UNICEF UK Ambassador and Soccer Aid co-founder, Robbie Williams, said: 'I'm incredibly proud to be celebrating 20 years of Soccer Aid for UNICEF this year, it's one of the most important things to me. Last year's event raised more money than ever and £121 million raised since we started – genuinely life-changing.

'Let's hope we can break the record again this year. Can't wait to see you there.'

Wayne Rooney added: 'I can't wait for this year's Soccer Aid for UNICEF and to pull on the England shirt one more time for the twentieth anniversary. 

'It's England against World XI at the London Stadium on 31st May and this year we want nothing less than an England win. Me, Coleen and the boys love the atmosphere and the brilliant family occasion that Soccer Aid for UNICEF always is. 

'The kids enjoy seeing football legends alongside their favourite celebrities and influencers on the same pitch.

'Last year, Coleen travelled to Poland with UNICEF and saw first-hand how the money raised is supporting children with disabilities who fled the war in Ukraine, so they can continue their education and simply be kids once again. So please buy a ticket and support this amazing cause, which changes children's lives around the world.'

A special twentieth anniversary extended half-time show will also be announced in due course. 

Tickets are on sale for this summer's fixture – Adults £20 and Juniors £10 – and include access to a pre-game 'Fan Zone'.