Wayne Rooney is stepping out of retirement to captain England for Soccer Aid 2025 alongside a host of stars.
The former footballer, 39, who stepped down from the pitch in 2021, was sacked by Plymouth Argyle after just 25 matches in charge with the club in December 2024.
The Manchester United legend is now making a comeback as he joins the star-studded squad for the annual charity match this June.
He will join the likes of Tyson Fury – who will serve as Wayne’s co-manager – and former One Direction star Louis Tomlinson.
He said: ‘Tyson and I are taking it incredibly seriously – we’ll put on a show for you!’
Wayne previously managed the UNICEF team in 2020, and will be joining fellow footballers Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Kaylyn Kyle, Jermain Defoe, Jill Scott, David James and Harry Redknapp as returning players.
Wayne Rooney, 39, is stepping out of retirement to captain England for Soccer Aid 2025 alongside a host of stars
The former footballer, who stepped down from the pitch in 2021, was sacked by Plymouth Argyle after just 25 matches in charge with the club in December 2024
Wayne added: ‘I enjoyed the last time I was involved at Soccer Aid so much that when the call came for the 2025 match it was a really easy decision!
‘I’m a big boxing fan, so to do it alongside Tyson Fury is fantastic.
‘It really sums up how brilliant Soccer Aid is. We have this in common: we’ll both be taking it incredibly seriously!
‘Obviously it’s great to lace-up the old boots again – and see some old friends – but the cause is the real reason we are doing this.
‘UNICEF needs our help. So, I promise we’ll put on a show for you this June if you buy your tickets to help raise money for UNICEF and for children around the world. ‘
Tyson, 36, was shocked at his new role and said he is just as excited as being in the boxing ring.
He said: Who would ever have thought it!? I have had some big fights in my career and the prospect of leading my England team to victory this June fills me with just as much excitement as any heavyweight fight!
‘Everyone knows that I am a huge Manchester United fan too, so it’s even more special for me that the game is at Old Trafford this year – and I get to manage one of my heroes, Wayne Rooney!
Tyson Fury and Wayne, who will co-manage England, is joined by Robbie Williams and Louis Tomlinson
Harry Redknapp is also managing once again and said he was ‘thrilled to be supporting Soccer Aid for UNICEF ‘
Singer Tom Grennan is gearing up to make his fifth appearance as a player for England’s Soccer Aid team
Former One Direction star Louis Tomlinson has not played for Soccer Aid since 2016 but has competed in several charity football matches since he found fame as a teenager
I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! winners Jill Scott and Sam Thompson will both be doing their bit for UNICEF
Goalkeeper Joe Hart will be playing for Soccer Aid for the very first time when it returns this summer
Paddy McGuinness first played for England’s SoccerAid team during their win in 2024 and is heading back to the pitch once again
Dragon’s Den star Steven Barlett will be playing for England at Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025, having already graced the pitch in 2024
Olympian Sam Quek will also be heading to Manchester’s Old Taffford following her star turn on Strictly Come Dancing last year
Trigger Point star Vicky McClure (pictured) has been a coach for the England team twice and is now taking part again
Sir Mo Farah has also played for Soccer Aid a number of times over the years and is one of the celebrities who will also be making a comeback
Legendary defender Leonardo Bonucci has also joined the team for the upcoming charity match
Livi ‘Diamond’ Sheldon is playing for Soccer Aid World XI FC at Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025
Steph Houghton (L) and Angry Ginge (R) playing for England at Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025 for the very first tim
Rebecca Welch will serve as referee for her third consecutive year, and is ‘proud to be leading the officials’
‘How can we lose!? The work UNICEF does all around the world is so special and so important. I really hope that you can come along and support us this summer.
The charity match was set up by former Take That star Robbie Williams in 2006 and the Candy hitmaker noted he was ‘blown away’ by the success almost 20 years later.
Several other celebrities to have graced the charity match over the years, and this year those making a comeback are One Direction star Louis, Vicky McClure and Sam Quek.
They will be joined by fellow returners Paddy McGuinness, Diamond, Tom Grennan, Sam Thompson, Alex Brooker, Steven Bartlett and Sir Mo Farah.
Returning as show hosts are Alex Scott and Dermot O’Leary and Sam Matterface will serve as match commentator alongside Iain Sterling.
Tickets for the match went on sale on Monday following news that Angry Ginge,Joe Hart, Nadia Nadim;,Steph Houghton, Toni Duggan and Leonardo Bonucci will all make their debuts in the charity match on Sunday 15th June at Old Trafford in Manchster.
The match will take place on Father’s Day and adult tickets are available from £20 and juniors from £10.
The game will air live and exclusively on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player, and a half-time show will be announced in due course.
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