**Sam Thompson Withdraws from Soccer Aid After Injury and Media Attention Over Personal Life**
Sam Thompson, famed for his stint on Made in Chelsea and as the 2023 winner of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, has confirmed that he will not take to the pitch at this weekend’s highly anticipated Soccer Aid charity match at Old Trafford. The announcement was made live on ITV’s This Morning, just days ahead of Sunday’s fixture.
Thompson, 32, was scheduled to represent the England team in the star-studded event, which raises vital funds for UNICEF. His absence will be keenly felt among fans and teammates alike. Thompson cited a significant calf injury as the reason for his withdrawal—an injury he sustained while undertaking a demanding 260-mile fundraising run from Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge to Manchester United’s home ground in the build-up to the match.
Speaking on This Morning to presenters Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary, Thompson expressed his regret but remained upbeat about his continued involvement. “I’m still very sore – the calf is torn – but I’m here at Soccer Aid HQ and thrilled to join the squad in a new capacity,” he shared. Instead of joining the likes of ex-professional footballers Paul Scholes and Jill Scott on field, he will now join the management staff, supporting the team alongside names such as Vicky McClure, Tyson Fury, and the veteran manager Harry Redknapp.
Thompson explained the decision, recounting a consultation with medical staff. “I can still kick a ball from a standstill, but the full intensity of a match is out of the question. Running is next to impossible at the moment. The team’s been great about keeping me involved, so I’ll be putting my energy into the coaching and managerial side – with Tyson Fury no less!”
While Thompson has maintained a sense of humour and optimism, his withdrawal comes at a time when media attention surrounding his private life has intensified. Earlier in the week, he was seen at Soccer Aid training alongside pop star Louis Tomlinson—a figure of particular interest as Tomlinson is now dating Thompson’s former long-term partner, Zara McDermott. The former couple’s five-year relationship ended last December, with McDermott and Tomlinson making their relationship public not long after. Their new romance has seen them jet-setting to destinations including Costa Rica and Los Angeles.
Thompson has insisted that there is no animosity between himself and the former One Direction singer, although coverage of their interactions has dominated headlines in the lead-up to the charity clash. The anticipated on-pitch face-off between the pair will no longer materialise, but the public’s attention remains fixed on both men as the match approaches.
The roster for Soccer Aid 2025 boasts a host of former sports stars and prominent celebrities. Ex-internationals Gary Neville and Joe Hart feature alongside athletics legend Dame Denise Lewis, actress Bella Ramsey, and Olympic gold medallist Sir Mo Farah. Meanwhile, the “Rest of the World” side includes international football icons Nemanja Vidic, Carlos Tevez, and Leonardo Bonucci, reinforced by public figures such as actor Martin Compston and musician Dermot Kennedy.
Nevertheless, Thompson is not the only notable withdrawal. Survival expert and broadcaster Bear Grylls confirmed on ITV’s Lorraine that he too would not be playing for England, citing a hamstring injury picked up during training. Grylls described his injury as “stupid” and admitted he was “gutted” to miss the event, having to prioritise recovery for his return to filming Running Wild.
Commentators have pointed out that such high-profile absentees might have an impact on the event, yet enthusiasm and anticipation remain high. With all eyes on Old Trafford, organisers will be hoping the event continues its tradition of raising millions for children in need around the world.
Despite his disappointment at not being able to play, Thompson’s willingness to stay involved as part of the team’s backroom staff demonstrates his commitment both to the cause and the camaraderie that defines Soccer Aid. As drama on and off the pitch continues to unfold, this year’s match remains one of the most talked-about in the history of the event.