Soccer Aid's 'biggest star' pulls out of Stamford Bridge match hours before kick-off

In a shock twist ahead of tonight's Soccer Aid showdown, Brazilian football ace Roberto Carlos has announced his withdrawal from the charity match. Scheduled to take place at 7.30pm this evening, the World XI squad will be feeling the pinch of his absence at Stamford Bridge.

The former Real Madrid star took to social media to share his announcement but did not disclose any reason for his sudden departure: "Unfortunately, I'm unable to make tonight's Soccer Aid for UNICEF match at Stamford Bridge. Good luck to all the players - and remember to donate."

World XI teammate Robbie Keane reacted to Carlos's departure, leaving a heartfelt comment saying: "We will miss you my friend."

Soccer Aid fans need not worry, as plenty of household names are set to feature in today's game, including Theo Walcott, Stuart Broad, Eddie Hearn, and Tommy Fury. Celebs on deck for the night include Bobby Brazier of Eastenders, Paddy McGuinness, and singer Tom Grennan.

Since its inception in 2006, Soccer Aid has successfully raised more than £90 million to help global children's charity Unicef, reports Birmingham Live.

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The full line-up of players for Soccer Aid 2024

England

• Frank Lampard (Co-Manager)

• Harry Redknapp (Co-Manager)

• Robbie Williams (Co-Manager)

• Actress Vicky McClure (Coach)

• Paddy McGuinness (Celebrity Goalkeeper)

• David James (Professional Goalkeeper)

• David Seaman (Goalkeeping Coach)

• Jill Scott (Captain)

• Cricketer Stuart Broad

• Actor Bobby Brazier

• I'm A Celeb winner Sam Thompson

• Footballer Jermain Defoe

• Pundit Karen Carney

• Footballer Gary Cahill

• Singer Tom Grennan

• Jack Wilshere

• Footballer Joe Cole

• Olympic hero Sir Mo Farah

• Comedian Alex Brooker

• Dragons' Den star Steven Bartlett

• Actress Erin Doherty

• Footballer Ellen White

• Footballer Theo Walcott

• Actor Danny Dyer

• YouTuber Miniminter

• Sports promoter Eddie Hearn

• Former hockey star Sam Quek

• Night Manager actor Tom Hiddleston

• Sidemen star Billy Wingrove (Soccer and skills coach for both sides)

World XI

• Mauricio Pochettino (Manager)

• Jesus Perez (Coach)

• Usain Bolt (Captain)

• Footballer Eden Hazard

• Boxer and reality star Tommy Fury

• Comedian Maisie Adam

• Gladiator Diamond

• Actor Martin Compston

• Presenter Roman Kemp

• Comedian Lee Mack

• YouTuber Theo Baker

• Footballer Kaylyn Kyle

• Comedian Jason Manford

• Footballer John Obi Mikel

• Footballer Michael Essien

• Footballer Patrice Evra

• Footballer Petr Cech (Professional Goalkeeper)

• Boxer Tony Bellew (Celebrity Goalkeeper)

• Footballer Alessandro Del Piero

• Actor Emmett J Scanlan

• Spain footballer Olga Garcia

• France footballer Kheira Hamraoui