Soccer Aid 2024: Who is Sam Thompson playing for England?

I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here winner Sam Thompson is making his debut at the annual Soccer Aid match this summer. The television personality, who made his name on E4’s Made in Chelsea, will be battling it out with stars on Stamford Bridge’s pitch on June 9 in aid of charity UNICEF.

Thompson is also known for appearing as a contestant on Celebrity Big Brother, Celebs Go Dating and Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.

The reality TV star who is the boyfriend of Strictly Come Dancing and Love Island star Zara McDermott, was also on The Celebrity Circle with Pete Wicks and came second.

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

The long-time Chelsea fan, who lives a short walk from Stamford Bridge and is a regular at the Blues’ home games is the third I’m A Celeb winner to take part in Soccer Aid.

He also posts regularly on social media to fans and began a new career as a radio host at Hits Radio on Sundays.

Speaking ahead of the match, he said: "From watching Chelsea in the stands throughout my life, to walking out at Stamford Bridge and playing in front of thousands of fans! As pretty much everyone knows, I am a massive Chelsea fan, so I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. I know everyone must say this – but this is my actual dream coming true!

“I live around the corner from Stamford Bridge and have been to so many Chelsea games over the years, watching my heroes – I can’t quite believe I’m about to play with some of them. I mean Frank Lampard is a living legend and he’s my manager – it’s insane! As you all know, I’m a pretty excitable character but this has put me on a new level! This is a brilliant family day out which I am honoured to be part of."

Soccer Aid has raised over £90m to support UNICEF in providing support to millions of children around the world to have healthy and happy lives.

New signings for this summer along with Thompson include cricketer Stuart Broad, Strictly Come Dancing star Bobby Brazier and former Chelsea icon Eden Hazard.

Returning 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 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.

The World XI FC line-up features celebs and former pros including returning team favourites Usain Bolt (Captain), Jesus Perez (Coach), Roman Kemp, Martin Compston, Lee Mack, Theo Baker, Tommy Fury, Maisie Adam, Eden Hazard, Diamond, Roberto Carlos, Kaylyn Kyle, John Obi Mikel, Jason Manford, Petr Cech, Patrice Evra and Michel Essein.

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.

UNICEF UK Ambassador and Co-Founder Robbie Williams said: “Soccer Aid for UNICEF is one of the biggest sources of joy in my life. It is an amazing event. When we launched this nearly two decades ago, I would never have dreamed it would raise as much money as it has.

“The main reason the match continues to be such a success, is because the great British public continue to be so generous in supporting UNICEF’s work helping children around the world have happy, healthy, play-filled childhoods. Once again, I am kindly asking you to buy a ticket to the game on Sunday 9th June at Stamford Bridge – the line-up is as star-studded as ever! Thank you for all of your continued support.”

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