Nemanja Matic Joins 2026 Soccer Aid for UNICEF Charity Match

Former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has been confirmed for the 2026 Soccer Aid for UNICEF charity match.

In an official post on their Instagram page, Soccer Aid for UNICEF announced: ‘Midfield enforcer added. Nemanja Matic will make his Soccer Aid for UNICEF debut at London Stadium on Sunday 31st May.’

The news of Matic’s inclusion in this year’s lineup has generated excitement online, garnering nearly 4,000 likes within the first five hours of the announcement.

Throughout his five-year career at United, Matic made 189 appearances and scored four goals before transferring to AS Roma. He has since played for Stade Rennais, Olympique Lyonnais, and is currently with Sassuolo in Serie A.

Matic recently expressed his views on the culture at Manchester United during his time at the club, telling La Gazzetta dello Sport, “I think the owners weren’t in tune with the fans’ mentality and expectations. They were thinking too much about other things, like marketing.

“Even us players spent two hours a week on marketing. Now, however, something has changed: Carrick was an excellent choice; they need to give him a couple of years to rebuild the team.”

The 37-year-old veteran has voiced support for Michael Carrick to remain as Manchester United manager next season, marking a significant vote of confidence from a player who witnessed the decline in standards at Old Trafford up until his departure in 2022.

Matic’s participation in Soccer Aid will make him one of the few players to feature while still playing professionally, as he continues his career at Sassuolo.

He will play alongside former United forward Dimitar Berbatov for the World XI, going up against the England XI, which features Wayne Rooney as captain.

Fans can look forward to watching Nemanja Matic compete in Soccer Aid against a mix of celebrities and former footballers on May 31.