The 2025 edition of Soccer Aid at Old Trafford saw the World XI come from 3-0 down, to win 5-4. Carlos Tevez, former Manchester United and Manchester City striker, found the back of the net on four separate occasions, helping his side to victory.
England found their groove quickly, as Manchester United’s all-time leading goalscorer Wayne Rooney put his side in front after four minutes. He beat former team-mate Edwin van Der Sar to make the score 1-0. Just before half-time, Toni Duggan, former Manchester City forward, scored to double The Three Lions’ lead.
10 minutes into the second-half, England scored their third and were seemingly out of sight. Social media sensation Angryginge13’s header was flicked on to the back post, where former striker Jermain Defoe’s first-time strike found the roof of the net.
But Carlos Tevez had to have his say at his old stomping ground, with not one but two goals to put the World XI back in the game. Five minutes later, Defoe found his second of the match and scored England’s fourth. There was a mountain to climb for World XI with less than 25 minutes on the clock left.
Tevez, at the Stretford End, scored a free-kick which was low to the goalkeeper’s left and put his team one goal behind with 20 minutes left to play. Despite the boos and a mixed reception, the former Premier League winner seemed unphased with the atmosphere.
And the Argentinian forward was not finished with the goals either…
Five minutes later Tevez wriggled his way through the England defence and found the equaliser for World XI. From 3-0 down and seemingly out of the game, to level through four Carlos Tevez goals, it was a superb game for the fans in the stadium and around the world watching.
There was still one big twist left in the game, as musician and TV personality Big Zuu, scored the winning goal at the Stretford End, with his near-post strike beating goalkeeper Paddy McGuinness.
The full-time whistle was blown, and World XI were crowned Soccer Aid 2025 champions, after winning 5-4. But the most important part of the day was when the total amount raised for charity was announced. A staggering £15,280,163 was raised for UNICEF.
Since the start of Soccer Aid in 2006, the annual charity matches have raised in total, over £112m for UNICEF.
Streamer and social media star Angryginge13 was awarded the Player of the Match award, as the defender put on an impressive performance. From goal-line clearances to stop former World Cup winner Rivaldo from scoring, to assisting Jermaine Defoe, it was a successful Soccer Aid debut for the Salford-born streamer.
Over 70,000 fans were at Old Trafford to see their favourite stars, from retired footballers to TV personalities, there was a range of personalities on the pitch on Sunday.
