Soccer Aid for Unicef 2020: Evra to make debut

The Frenchman joins comedian Jason Manford and rapper Santan Dave in representing the Soccer Aid World XI FC as debutants in the behind-closed-doors event, to be held in September, while former internationals David James and Kelly Smith will also appear for the first time, for England.

The Three Lions’ ranks have been boosted further with Joe Wicks confirming that he will play. Meanwhile, Olly Murs returns to the fold following the knee surgery which ruled him out of the 2019 match.

Kem Cetinay, who scored a wonder goal at last year’s Stamford Bridge clash, is also returning for the World XI, alongside former Manchester City star Yaya Toure. ITV family favourite Dermot O’Leary will present the live show with Kirsty Gallagher returning as pitchside reporter.

“I can’t wait to get back to Old Trafford, my home-from-home!” said Evra.

“It will be a strange experience to play at that amazing stadium without the fans, but I am really proud to be involved and that we’re able to still put on a show for the millions of people who will be watching at home. We know that you’ll be with us all in spirit.

“It’s really important we can play this match because not only does it give people something to look forward to, but it’s a chance for us all to help Unicef stop the spread of coronavirus and limit the impact on children’s lives.”

Soccer Aid for Unicef is the world’s biggest celebrity football match, raising money to give children the best start in life. Around the world, coronavirus is disrupting everything – it’s closing schools, stopping children getting vital vaccines, and making life in disaster zones tougher than ever. A whole generation of children are in danger.

Soccer Aid for Unicef will help stop the spread of coronavirus and limit the impact on children’s lives. This year, for the first time in the match’s history, the UK government and Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, will both match public donations to Soccer Aid for Unicef, meaning every £1 donated becomes £3 – up to £3 million – until 6 October 2020.

Since 2006, Soccer Aid for Unicef has raised over £38million to help give children all over the world a childhood full of play. Soccer Aid for Unicef 2019 raised a record-breaking £7.9m.

This year’s teams of celebrities and former professional footballers will ‘Play for Generation Covid’, to help stop the spread of coronavirus and limit the impact on children’s lives. At a time when Generation Covid desperately need Unicef’s support, it will bring the nation together in their living rooms, through their TV-sets, to help Unicef provide everything from clean water to lifesaving vaccinations.

As supporters will be unable to attend this year’s game, anyone who has already purchased tickets for the original match, through official Manchester United ticketing channels, will automatically receive a full refund which will be processed from Monday 17 August (and may take up to seven days to complete). Alternatively, ticket-holders are being encouraged to consider donating the value of their ticket and make triple the impact to Unicef – a £20 donation becomes £60 thanks to the UK government and GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance. An email on how to make this donation has been sent to all ticket-holders.

Soccer Aid for Unicef will air exclusively on ITV and STV in September.