Soccer Aid returns tonight with a star-studded line-up set to take to the pitch for both England and World XI at Old Trafford. Whilst everyone agrees the life-changing money raised for UNICEF is undoubtedly the most important thing of the whole night, it is also true that both sets of players will be desperate to crown the night by getting their hands on the trophy. This year’s game will see the likes of Jill Scott, Danny Dyer and Liam Payne don the famous white of England, whilst stars such as Usain Bolt, Tommy Fury and Roberto Carlos will be turning out for World XI. But who won Soccer Aid last year and which team has won the annual charity game the most? Here is everything you need to know.
World XI won Soccer Aid 2022 on penalties following a 2-2 draw after 90 minutes at the London Stadium. Noah Beck had put World XI ahead from the penalty spot in the first-half, before Mark Wright equalised for England on the stroke of half-time. England then took the lead two minutes after the break through Tom Grennan but their lead was short lived with Kem Cetinay bringing World XI level. In keeping with the tradition of the Three Lions, England missed their first two penalties with Grennan and Russell Howard failing to convert. World XI got their hands on the trophy with a perfect set of penalties, with none other than Lee Mack scoring the decisive spot kick.
World XI are the most successful team in Soccer Aid history with six wins to their name compared to England’s five. England dominated the early editions of the competition, winning five of the first seven games. However, the tables have turned in recent times with World XI tasting victory in each of the last four years. Their four consecutive victories is the longest winning spell in Soccer Aid. Three of the four wins have seen World XI triumph on penalties, whilst they ran out 3-0 victors in 2021.
Full list of Soccer Aid past winners: 2006 – England; 2008 – England; 2010 – World XI; 2012 – England; 2014 – World XI; 2016 – England; 2018 – England; 2019 – World XI; 2020 – World XI; 2021 – World XI; 2022 – World XI.
Dutch football legend Clarence Seedorf and former Love Island winner Kem Cetinay are the top goalscorers in Soccer Aid history with four goals apiece. Teddy Sheringham, Jonathan Wilkes and Jeremy Lynch all have three goals to their name. Soccer Aid 2023 kicks off on ITV at 7.30pm today (June 11).