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Owen Cooper Makes Soccer Aid History as Youngest Player in 20th-Anniversary Charity Match
When 16‑year‑old Owen Cooper stepped onto the London Stadium pitch on Sunday, 31 May 2026, he became the youngest player ever to take part in Soccer Aid, the charity’s 20th‑anniversary match that raised a record £16 million for UNICEF.
Cooper, best known for his Emmy‑winning performance in the Netflix series Adolescence, joined a star‑studded England squad that included former rugby star Joe Marler, radio presenter Jordan North, Gladiator Harry Aikines‑Aryeetey (known on television as Nitro), internet personality GK Barry, and actor Damson Idris. He was the only teenager on the team.
England’s lineup also featured senior players Jill Scott, Paddy McGuinness, Olly Murs, Tom Hiddleston, Tom Grennan, Sam Thompson, and Robbie Williams, who returned in a management capacity.
Across the opposition, the World XI was captained by Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt. The squad included comedian Maisie Adam, rapper Big Zuu, actor Richard Gadd, and presenter Alex Brooker. This match was the only mixed‑sex football game officially sanctioned by the Football Association.
Cooper said it was a "real honour" to support a cause that helps children grow up safe, healthy and able to play. He was not born when the first Soccer Aid match took place in 2006, making his appearance a notable moment in the event’s two‑decade history.
England won 3‑2. Damson Idris opened the scoring in the 31st minute, Jermain Defoe doubled the lead in the second half, and a third goal was added before the final whistle. World XI’s two goals came from Usain Bolt.
The 2026 edition sold out and was broadcast live on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player. Proceeds from the match helped UNICEF support children worldwide, adding more than £137 million to the total raised since Soccer Aid’s inception.
Soccer Aid was co‑founded in 2006 by Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes. The 20th‑anniversary match celebrated the charity’s longevity and its impact on children’s lives. The record £16 million will go toward UNICEF programmes that provide education, health care and protection for children in need.
Cooper’s participation highlights the growing involvement of younger talent in high‑profile charity events. While the primary focus remains fundraising, the inclusion of a 16‑year‑old player underscores the appeal of Soccer Aid to a broad audience.
The match concluded with England lifting the trophy, a moment captured by the event’s official video and shared widely on social media. The success demonstrates the continued relevance of celebrity‑led charity football matches in supporting global causes.
Soccer Aid will return next year with a new line‑up, but the 2026 match will remain a milestone for its record‑breaking fundraising and for Cooper’s historic debut.
Cooper, best known for his Emmy‑winning performance in the Netflix series Adolescence, joined a star‑studded England squad that included former rugby star Joe Marler, radio presenter Jordan North, Gladiator Harry Aikines‑Aryeetey (known on television as Nitro), internet personality GK Barry, and actor Damson Idris. He was the only teenager on the team.
England’s lineup also featured senior players Jill Scott, Paddy McGuinness, Olly Murs, Tom Hiddleston, Tom Grennan, Sam Thompson, and Robbie Williams, who returned in a management capacity.
Across the opposition, the World XI was captained by Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt. The squad included comedian Maisie Adam, rapper Big Zuu, actor Richard Gadd, and presenter Alex Brooker. This match was the only mixed‑sex football game officially sanctioned by the Football Association.
Cooper said it was a "real honour" to support a cause that helps children grow up safe, healthy and able to play. He was not born when the first Soccer Aid match took place in 2006, making his appearance a notable moment in the event’s two‑decade history.
England won 3‑2. Damson Idris opened the scoring in the 31st minute, Jermain Defoe doubled the lead in the second half, and a third goal was added before the final whistle. World XI’s two goals came from Usain Bolt.
The 2026 edition sold out and was broadcast live on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player. Proceeds from the match helped UNICEF support children worldwide, adding more than £137 million to the total raised since Soccer Aid’s inception.
Soccer Aid was co‑founded in 2006 by Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes. The 20th‑anniversary match celebrated the charity’s longevity and its impact on children’s lives. The record £16 million will go toward UNICEF programmes that provide education, health care and protection for children in need.
Cooper’s participation highlights the growing involvement of younger talent in high‑profile charity events. While the primary focus remains fundraising, the inclusion of a 16‑year‑old player underscores the appeal of Soccer Aid to a broad audience.
The match concluded with England lifting the trophy, a moment captured by the event’s official video and shared widely on social media. The success demonstrates the continued relevance of celebrity‑led charity football matches in supporting global causes.
Soccer Aid will return next year with a new line‑up, but the 2026 match will remain a milestone for its record‑breaking fundraising and for Cooper’s historic debut.
