Adolescence's Owen Cooper, 16, becomes youngest star ever selected for Soccer Aid
Adolescence and Wuthering Heights actor Owen Cooper has become the youngest-ever star selected for Soccer Aid, where he will line up alongside the likes of Hollywood star Tom Hiddleston, singer Olly Murs and former pro footballer Wayne Rooney.
Owen Cooper has become the youngest-ever star selected for Soccer Aid.
The 16-year-old actor - who shot to fame in hard-hitting Netflix miniseries Adolescence - is part of the England squad alongside the likes of Hollywood star Tom Hiddleston, singer Olly Murs and former pro footballers Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Joe Hart, and Theo Walcott for this year's ITV charity match.
Wuthering Heights star Owen 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."
Pop star Robbie Williams will manage the England squad, which also features former I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! winners Angry Ginge and Sam Thompson, ex-rugby union star Joe Marler, TV presenter Paddy McGuinness, Loose Women's GK Barry, and former female pro footballers Jill Scott, Toni Duggan and Steph Houghton.
UNICEF UK Ambassador and Soccer Aid co-founder Robbie 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."
Sprinter Usain Bolt will manage the World XI squad, which features the likes of ex-pro footballers Edwin van der Sar, Jordi Alba, and Leonardo Bonucci, as well as grime artist Big Zuu and Gladiator Nitro.
Rooney said: "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."
Soccer Aid 2026 - the 20th anniversary game - will take place on Sunday May 31, at West Ham United's London Stadium.
