At first glance at the announcement, you could be forgiven for thinking that One Direction’s Liam Payne and boxer Tommy Fury were set for a bout in the ring. To be fair, Liam hasn’t released music since ‘Sunshine’ the summer of 2021 so maybe he’s going for a career change…
But despite the promo poster causing some serious concern with fans, it’s now been revealed that the two celebs will actually be taking to the pitch for a charity football match. Let’s all breathe a sigh of relief.
Yep, Liam and Tommy are instead squaring up for Soccer Aid at Old Trafford in Manchester in order to raise money for UNICEF – a charity that aims to provide humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide.
Set up by Robbie Williams in 2006, Soccer Aid for UNICEF sees a star-studded line-up of legendary footballers and entertainment icons going head-to-head for a charity football match.
The 2023 event will mark Tommy’s Soccer Aid debut, but Liam actually captained the England team last year and has already worked with the charity multiple times. In a boxing match Tommy would have surely won, but does this mean that Liam could have the edge here?
This year, not only will we be seeing Liam Payne and Tommy Fury playing, Lionesses’ Euro 2022 winner and Queen of The Jungle Jill Scott will be captaining England.
Her team – managed by Harry Redknapp and coached by Emma Hayes – will also include some big names like Paddy McGuinness, Jermain Defoe, Bugzy Malone, Sir Mo Farrah and Scarlette Douglas.
The opposition – captained by Olympic champion Usain Bolt and managed by Robbie Keane – will consist of Lee Mack, Steven Bartlett, Kem Cetinay and Mo Gilligan to name just a few.
Liam is set to play for the England team whilst Tommy will be part of Usain’s team called Soccer Aid World XI FC.
And whilst you may be disappointed that Liam and Tommy won’t be battling it out in the ring, surely this incredible line-up more than makes up for it.
Plus, with tickets available from £21 for adults and £10.50 for kids with all proceeds going to charity, what’s not to love?
We think it’s a great event and if you do too, click here to get your tickets!