Soccer Aid 2021: Football legend David Beckham looks smart in black suit as he arrives for celebrity charity match at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium
He’s the UK’s most famous footballer and a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
And David Beckham looked smart in a black suit as he led the arrivals at Soccer Aid 2021 in Manchester on Saturday night.
The retired sporting star, 46, cut a suave figure in the dark two piece which he teamed with a crisp white shirt and red tie.
Legend: David Beckham looked smart in a black suit as he led the arrivals at Soccer Aid 2021 in Manchester on Saturday night
He completed his look with a pair of shiny black shoes and showed off his dyed blonde hair as he made his way down the blue carpet into the famous Etihad Stadium.
Meanwhile inside the venue the celebrity team were prepping themselves for the big match in a pre-play meeting.
The likes of singer Olly Murs, former TOWIE star Mark Wright, footballer Wayne Rooney and Jamie Redknapp looked anxious as they listened to their coaches final words ahead of kick off.
Here we go: Meanwhile inside the venue the celebrity team were prepping themselves for the big match in a pre-play meeting (pictured are Olly Murs and Mark Wright)
Famous faces: The likes of singer Olly Murs, former TOWIE star Mark Wright, footballer Wayne Rooney and Jamie Redknapp looked anxious as they listened to their coaches final words ahead of kick off
Other players such as Love Island’s Kem Cetinay, runner Usain Bolt and X Factor’s James Arthur were all present in the meeting.
This years Soccer Aid had been plagued by Covid and injury.
Joel Dommett has stepped in as the Soccer Aid goalkeeper to replace injured Paddy McGuinness who has been forced to pull out of Saturday night’s match.
Stars: Other players such as Love Island’s Kem Cetinay, runner Usain Bolt (far right), Joel Dommett (centre) and X Factor’s James Arthur were all present in the meeting
Rivals: Usain Bolt of World XI and Gary Neville of England pose for a photo together ahead of the match
The presenter, 36, – who was due to play on pitch anyway – will step up to the goalie position after Paddy, 48, had to bow out due to a problem with his leg.
Paddy’s untimely injury isn’t the only setback to the game, with Roman Kemp being forced to withdraw at the final hour after testing positive for Covid on Friday, reportedly leaving the whole competition in jeopardy.
Taking to Instagram to announce he would replace Paddy, Joel wrote: ‘So @mcguinness.paddy is injured – I’m in goal for @socceraid.. I’m gonna leap everywhere and do that thing where they catch the ball and shout at everyone.
Sporting star: Kem Cetinay of World XI looked in the zone as he prepared to head out onto the pitch
Exciting: Jamie Redknapp looked in high spirits as he clapped during the meeting as Wayne Rooney sat behind him
A source told MailOnline on Saturday: ‘Despite a few sets backs, the England and World XI teams are raring to go.
‘There were a few nerves this morning over breakfast but most of the players just can’t wait to step out in front of the sell out crowd of 50,000.
‘Joel has stepped up and will be putting on his goal keeping gloves after Paddy’s injury. Having never played in goal this could make for an interesting second half!
Anticipation: Fans outside the stadium wait for the players to arrive before the Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2021 match
All smiles: The stars will take to the pitch for a friendly match alongside former professional footballers
‘He is hosting the NTA’s live next Thursday so everyone hoping he gets through unscathed.’
Later on Saturday, Joel shared a selfie after training with former England goalkeeper David Seaman and wrote: ‘One of these guys is a goal keeper and one is David Seaman…THAT HAND SIZE THO!’
Taking to Instagram on Saturday afternoon, Paddy said he was ‘gutted’ to not be joining a host of stars and former footballers set to take part in the charity match.
Final tips: The group of players listened on as they prepared for the highly-anticipated match
Kind: The money raised from this year’s game will help UNICEF fight back against the Covid-19 pandemic by helping to deliver 2 billion vaccines worldwide
Paddy wrote: ‘Gutted! For the first time ever I’m having to pull out of @socceraid due to injury.
‘Tore my lateral meniscus and it’s not something that can be sorted with the magic sponge. Good luck to both teams today and if you’ve got tickets you’re in for a great day for a great cause.’
Joel then wrote underneath: ‘Thinking of you buddy! I’ll do you proud!’
While Keith Lemon added: ‘Ah no. What a shame. D’ya wanna play out with me instead. We can get the BMX’s out!’
Prep: Judy Murray Celebrity Manager of World XI, Harry Redknapp Manager of World XI and Robbie Keane Coach of World XI gave the player a pep talk
Oh dear: Joel Dommett (centre right) has stepped in as the Soccer Aid goalkeeper to replace injured Paddy McGuinness who has been forced to pull out of Saturday night’s match
On Saturday morning, the star was pictured hobbling out of his Cheshire hotel with a bandage around his leg alongside his teammates.
Paddy’s untimely injury isn’t the only setback to the game, with Roman Kemp being forced to withdraw at the final hour after testing positive for Covid, reportedly leaving the whole competition in jeopardy.
The Capital FM presenter was due to play the celebrity match at Manchester City’s ground on Saturday, alongside the likes of Paddy McGuinness and Jamie Redknapp.
Paying attention: James Arthur (pictured left) looked like he was concentrating ahead of the match
However, Roman took to Twitter on Friday to confirm he would be missing out on the UNICEF charity fundraiser, and said he was ‘gutted’ he would have to watch from home.
Roman attended the GQ Men Of The Year Awards in London on Wednesday before heading up to Manchester to train with his celebrity team.
However, after he tested positive for Covid he was forced to pull out of the upcoming game.
A source told The Sun his positive test is ‘worrying for everyone involved’ as Roman was training with some of the other players just days ago.
Uh oh! Joel Dommett has stepped in as the Soccer Aid goalkeeper to replace injured Paddy McGuinness (pictured on Saturday morning) who has been forced to pull out of match
The insider told the publication: ‘It is worrying for everyone involved in Soccer Aid however as Roman was training with a lot of the players yesterday and has been in close contact with so many people.
‘Keeping the teams and those working on Soccer Aid Covid-safe is the organisers’ top priority.
‘Everyone in contact with Roman is going to be tested and extra measures are being put in place to stop any further spread. The game tomorrow will absolutely still be going ahead and this is an isolated case.’
A representative for ITV has been contacted by MailOnline for a comment.
Meanwhile, Olly Murs and Mark Wright were spotted in their football kit ahead of the game on Saturday night.
Responsibility: The presenter, 36, – who was due to play on pitch anyway – will step up to the goalie position after Paddy, 48, had to bow out due to a problem with his leg
The pair appeared in high spirits as they left the venue to head for training alongside their fellow celebrities taking part.
The Essex natives, who have been best pals for years, chatted to each other while strolling along in their socks and sandals combo.
The pair appeared to be in good shape as they donned their blue sports tops and navy shorts ahead of their training session.
Mark, who played Crawley Town last season, was well prepared for the day ahead, ensuring to bring along a bottle of water and two bananas to re-fuel.
Both lads looked handsome-as-ever, sporting similar slicked-back hairstyles.
But the duo weren’t heading to training alone – they were closely followed by their comrades James Arthur, Sir Mo Farah, James Bay and Usain Bolt.
The stars will take to the pitch for a friendly match alongside former professional footballers.
Also spotted outside the Cheshire hotel was Kem Cetinay and Dermot O’Leary.
Change of plan: Taking to Instagram to announce he would replace Paddy, Joel wrote: ‘So @mcguinness.paddy is injured – I’m in goal for @socceraid…’
Former footballers Wayne Rooney, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Kelly Smith, Roberto Carlos, Patrice Evra, David James, Emile Heskey and Jamie Redknapp will also take part.
Harry Redknapp returns as manager of the Soccer Aid World XI FC, while Micah Richards and David Seaman will join the England coaching team with Sven-Goran Eriksson as England manager.
Former England captain David Beckham, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, will also be in attendance and will present the trophy to the winning team on the night.
Dermot O’Leary returns to host the TV coverage, and he will be joined by new touchline reporter Alex Scott and pundit Maya Jama.
The Soccer Aid for UNICEF match will air live on ITV at 6.30pm and via ITV Hub on Saturday.
Shame: Capital FM presenter Roman was due to play the celebrity match but had to pull out after testing positive for Covid
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