Oscar-winning actress Julia Roberts is set to take part in this year`s Soccer Aid event in a significant role.
Roberts, known for her 2001 Best Actress Oscar for “Erin Brockovich,” has been confirmed as part of the World XI team.
Soccer Aid announced online: “We are thrilled to reveal that Hollywood icon Julia Roberts will be supporting the World XI at Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025!”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola admitted in 2023 that Roberts is among his top three “idols.”
However, he jokingly felt like a “failure” when the film star chose to watch Manchester United instead of Manchester City during her visit to England in 2016.
Guardiola humorously stated: “I am a failure in the Champions League, I’m sorry. Let me tell you a secret.
“Even if we conquer the Champions League or win it three times in a row, I will still feel like a failure. I have three idols in my life: Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and Julia Roberts.
“Julia Roberts visited England some years ago when Manchester United wasn`t at their peak, we were performing better, yet she went to see Manchester United, not us.
“Even winning the Champions League can`t compensate for Julia Roberts` decision not to come see us.”
Roberts, 57, will return to Old Trafford for the annual charity match, scheduled for Sunday, June 15th this year, although her specific role has not yet been disclosed.
Soccer Aid: Who is playing?
Making their Soccer Aid debuts are:
- Tyson Fury
- Angry Ginge
- Joe Hart
- Nadia Nadim
- Steph Houghton
- Toni Duggan
- Leonardo Bonucci
- Nemanja Vidic
- Tobi Brown
- Diamond
- Nadia Nadim
Celebrities returning for the clash at Old Trafford:
- Louis Tomlinson
- Vicky McClure
- Sam Quek
- Paddy McGuinness
- Diamond
- Tom Grennan
- Sam Thompson
- Alex Brooker
- Steven Bartlett
- Sir Mo Farah
- Martin Compston
- Kaylyn Kyle
Ex-pro players returning for the clash:
- Wayne Rooney
- Gary Neville
- Paul Scholes
- Kaylyn Kyle
- Jermain Defoe
- Jill Scott
- David James
- Harry Redknapp
England`s team will be coached by football legend Wayne Rooney and former boxing champion Tyson Fury.
Former One Direction star Louis Tomlinson and Olympian Sir Mo Farah, actress Vicky McClure, and comedian Paddy McGuinness are also part of the England team.
Confirmed former players include England legends Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, and David James, as well as Lionesses Jill Scott, Steph Houghton, and Toni Duggan.
Soccer Aid, established in 2006 by Robbie Williams, has successfully raised £106 million for UNICEF since its inception.
Wayne Rooney is back in football management as Soccer Aid’s England boss alongside Tyson Fury
