Hollywood star who made Pep Guardiola feel like a ‘failure’ lands major Soccer Aid role
OSCAR winner Julia Roberts has landed a major role at this year’s Soccer Aid.
The actress – who won the academy award in 2001 – has been confirmed as a member of World XI.
Soccer Aid posted online: “We’re incredibly excited to announce that Hollywood icon Julia Roberts will be supporting the World XI at Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025!”
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola revealed in 2023 that Roberts is one of his three “idols”.
But he was left feeling like a “failure” when the movie star decided to watch United instead of City during a 2016 visit to England.
Guardiola said: “I am a failure in the Champions League, I’m sorry. I’m going to explain a secret.
“Even if we win this Champions League or three in a row, I will be a failure. I have three idols in my life: Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods and Julia Roberts.
“Julia Roberts came to England a few years ago in the period when Manchester United were not good, we were better, and she came to Manchester United, she didn’t come to us.
“Even if I win the Champions League, it cannot make up for Julia Roberts not coming to see us.”
Roberts, 57, will be at Old Trafford again for the annual charity game, held this year on on Sunday, June 15.
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
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England are being coached by Three Lions legend Wayne Rooney and retired former heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury.
Ex-1D star Louis Tomlinson and Olympian Sir Mo Farah, actress Vicky McClure and comic Paddy McGuinness also join the team.
Ex-players confirmed for include England’s Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and David James plus Lionesses Jill Scott, Steph Houghton and Toni Duggan.
Soccer Aid – founded in 2006 by Robbie Williams – has raised £106million for Unicef since it kicked off in 2006.