Soccer Aid 2025: Tyson Fury and Wayne Rooney to co-manage England at Old Trafford

Former world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury will co-manage the England team alongside Wayne Rooney for the 2025 "Soccer Aid" charity match. This annual charity event aims to raise money for UNICEF, providing vital support to children in need.

Former England international Rooney will also make a playing comeback, participating in the match against the World XI team on Sunday, June 15th. This year's event returns to Old Trafford, the home of Rooney's former club Manchester United. Last year's match at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge raised over £15 million for charity, demonstrating the event's significant impact.

"To be leading my England team out to victory in front of my home crowd this June will be like another world title fight," said Fury. "As everyone knows, I'm a massive Manchester United fan, so to be at Old Trafford this year, and with one of my heroes in Wayne Rooney, is going to be extra special." Fury's enthusiasm highlights the personal significance of this event for him.

Rooney, 39, previously managed the "Soccer Aid" team in 2020 and played in the match the following year. He said, "I'm a massive boxing fan, so I'm really looking forward to working alongside Tyson Fury. We've got a similar goal – we both want to win at all costs." He added, "It's great to be back in my boots and back out on the pitch with the lads."

Rooney will be joined by former teammates Gary Neville and Paul Scholes, while Joe Hart, Steph Houghton, and Toni Duggan are all set to make their "Soccer Aid" debuts. Singer Louis Tomlinson will also return, joining Sam Quek, Paddy McGuinness, Tom Grennan, and Sir Mo Farah, among others. Former Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci and Danish forward Nadia Nadim will make their "Soccer Aid" debuts for the World XI, with the rest of the lineup to be confirmed. Since the inaugural match in 2006, "Soccer Aid" has raised over £106 million for charity, showcasing its enduring success.