Tonight, Paddy McGuinness is gearing up to participate in Soccer Aid. Soccer Aid is an event where football meets philanthropy in a spectacular display of skill, passion, and compassion.
The star-studded England team will face off against the Rest of the World. The match, featuring a mix of esteemed footballers and celebrities, aims to raise substantial funds for UNICEF. At the renowned Old Trafford stadium, the game will be broadcast live on ITV, promising an electrifying atmosphere for players and viewers alike.
Since its inception in 2006, the charity match has enjoyed an immense triumph, thanks to the efforts of Robbie Williams, who initiated the event. This year, Paddy McGuinness takes on the role of England’s goalkeeper, eager to maintain an impeccable record by preventing any goals as the team strives to recover from the previous year’s disappointment of a penalty loss.
Credits: The Irish Sun
The comedian has participated in every edition of Soccer Aid, and during an interview with ITV, he explained his decision to put on the gloves of a goalkeeper this time. Reflecting on his age, Paddy McGuinness, now 49, shared his humourous perspective, stating that his playing time on the field has gradually reduced.
He humorously expressed, ‘When I first started, I used to play 90 minutes. Then, the next time, I did 70 minutes, then 45. And I’ve gradually done less and less and less. So, when you are just over 49, it’s like, ‘stick him in the net because he’s knackered.’ So, that’s what I’m doing. I’m going in the nets’. However, Paddy McGuinness’s passion for Soccer Aid remains undiminished, as he emphasizes his continued love for the charity event.
McGuinness said, ‘Being a football enthusiast, it has been an incredible experience to share the pitch with legendary players like Zidane and Ronaldinho. Moreover, I’ve had the privilege of playing alongside A-list celebrities such as Will Ferrell and Mike Myers, who all unite for the cause of UNICEF. It’s an outstanding charity that holds immense significance for any parent. So, being able to contribute and raise funds for a noble cause is truly gratifying and fulfilling.
Let’s know more about Paddy McGuinness.
Beyond spending time on the football pitch, Paddy McGuinness takes immense pride in being a devoted father to his three adorable children, Felicity, Leo, and Penelope. Sadly, all his children have been diagnosed with autism, and Paddy uses his social media handles to spread awareness of the realities of living with this condition. Paddy, 49, shares his children with former Miss Liverpool, Christine McGuinness, who has also been diagnosed with autism. Although Paddy and Christine separated on July 1 last year, they have continued living together to provide their children with a stable and supportive environment.
Credits: BBC
During an interview with Lorraine Kelly, Christine McGuinness expressed her desire to maintain stability for their children, stating, “We want to keep things the same as much as possible for the children; I don’t want anything to affect them. We are family, and I’ll always be family no matter what, and we’re living in a nice, happy home”.
Paddy and Christine recently went on an occasion with their children, which caused quite a stir among fans when Paddy mentioned that their sunny trip was wrecked by rainy weather. Nevertheless, the weather improved, and Paddy expressed his delight on Instagram about how well the children coped with traveling to a foreign country.
What is Soccer Aid?
Soccer Aid is a yearly charitable event in London dedicated to raising funds for UNICEF UK. With the support of ticket sales and public donations, this event has successfully generated over £38 million in aid. The highly anticipated televised spectacle is an exhibition-style football match, pitting two teams against each other: England and the Soccer Aid World XI (formerly Rest of the World (ROW) until 2018). These teams comprise a captivating mix of celebrities and former professional players, proudly representing their respective nations.
