Soccer Aid 2024: Who is Roman Kemp playing for World XI?

Soccer Aid is returning for its 13th year with a line-up of celebrities readying to take part in the popular charity match. The game will feature an England and World XI team of stars playing on the pitch in aid of charity UNICEF who support children to have happy and healthy childhoods.

Millions of people are expected to tune into the live broadcast on ITV1 with tickets already snatched up for the game at Stamford Bridge. Among those taking part in the game on 9 June is television personality Roman Kemp who will play for World XI. He will be joined by teammates such as Usain Bolt, Lee Mack, Maisie Adam, and Diamond.

Roman is well-known for radio presenting on Capital FM’s Breakfast show along with his successful evening daily show and mid-morning Sunday slots on the station. He has interviewed the likes of Justin Bieber, Harry Styles, Ed Sheeran and Ariana Grande.

READ MORE: Soccer Aid 2024 date, tickets, how to watch on TV and team line-ups

The presenter also made the final of ‘I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’ in 2019 and joined The X Factor presenting team in the same year. He became a regular presenter for BBC One’s ‘The One Show’ in 2022 and hosted ITV’s ‘Get Britain Singing’ too.

Roman has presented the red carpet coverage of both the TV BAFTA and BRIT Awards 2024. He fronts the BBC One quiz show ‘The Finish Line’ can be found on episodes of other shows such as Would I Lie to You and Celebrity Juice.

Kemp is also a big advocate for mental health support and awareness. The star has presented the BBC One documentary Roman Kemp: Our Silent Emergency and his book ‘Are You Really OK?’ drawing on his own mental health journey.

Roman is the son of actor and Spandau Ballet star Martin Kemp and singer Shirlie Holliman. Roman's godfather was the late singer George Michael.

Roman and Martin regularly appear in Channel 4's Celebrity Gogglebox together.

Speaking ahead of this year's Soccer Aid, Roman said: "It’s always such a special event that brings together so many different types of people from different parts of the industry, but it’s all for one amazing cause. When you step out onto that pitch and you look around, every single person that bought their ticket to be there on that day is a reminder that they’re not just there for fun, but also because they wanted to do good and support a cause that is worth fighting for."

On his Soccer Aid teammates, Roman added: "As an Arsenal fan, I used to dread us playing against Eden Hazard so to call him a teammate is a bit of a relief, if I’m honest, and something I’m very excited about."

Soccer Aid has raised over £90m to aid UNICEF in helping support millions of children around the world to have healthy and happy childhoods. The money raised from this year’s game could help UNICEF protect children from disease and malnutrition, support their mental health and respond in times of crisis.

Kemp’s World XI FC team will also see the likes of celebs and former pros Martin Compston, Theo Baker, Tommy Fury, Eden Hazard Roberto Carlos, Kaylyn Kyle, John Obi Mikel, Jason Manford, Petr Cech, Patrice Evra and Michel Essein.

Players for the England team include Sir Mo Farah and Steven Bartlett joining footballing legends Jermain Defoe, Jill Scott (Captain), David James (Professional Goalkeeper), Gary Cahill, Joe Cole and Karen Carney.

There will also be stars Sam Thompson, Bobby Brazier, Eden Hazard, Stuart Broad, Miniminter, Paddy McGuiness (Celebrity Goalkeeper), David Seaman (Goalkeeping Coach), Tom Grennan, Jack Wilshere, Alex Brooker, Erin Doherty, Steven Bartlett, Danny Dyer, Theo Walcott and Ellen White on the pitch.

Frank Lampard joins Harry Redknapp and Robbie Williams as England manager and facing them down will be Mauricio Pochettino, returning as manager for Soccer Aid World XI.

The live show will be hosted by UNICEF UK Ambassador Dermot O’Leary, who will be joined by Alex Scott with Sam Matterface and Iain Stirling commenting again.

Soccer Aid takes place on Sunday 9 June at Stamford Bridge.