Brazil legend Rivaldo has been called up to play in Soccer Aid just hours before the match kicks-off.
The 53-year-old World Cup winner was announced as an addition for the Rest of the World team at 9.30pm on Saturday night.
Rivaldo got a late call-up for Soccer AidSoccer AidThis was less than 24 hours before the charity match kicks off at 7.30pm at Old Trafford.
A video on social media was posted showing his shirt being handed to him to announce his participation.
Reacting to the news, singer Tom Grennan, who will be lining-up for England, said: “Leave it out!
“Their team is a joke. But what a player. Barcelona legend.”
And he is a true legend having helped Brazil win the World Cup in 2002 and won the Ballon d’Or in 1999.
He won two LaLiga titles with Barcelona before getting his hands on the Champions League with AC Milan.
Rivaldo scored more than 400 goals for club and country in a career that spanned over two decades.
Fans were equally as excited to see the icon in a Soccer Aid shirt.
One wrote on X: “I swear, if a similar announcement of Totti appears on here, last minute, I will lose my head. You’ve been warned.”
Another added: “A real legend.”
Rivaldo was announced as a new Soccer Aid player on social mediaSoccer Aid Ex-footballers and celebrities are joining forces for the charity matchGettyRivaldo joins the likes of Leonardo Bonucci, Edwin van der Sar, Nemanja Vidic, Carlos Tevez and David Trezeguet on the World XI team.
Plus you have celebrities including Dermot Kennedy, Martin Compston and YouTuber Tobi Brown.
The England line-up, which is being managed by Tyson Fury and Wayne Rooney, will feature ex-pros like Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, and Jack Wilshere.
They will be joined by celebrities including Louis Tomlinson, Bella Ramsey, Bear Grylls and Roman Kemp.
In 2024, Soccer Aid raised more than £15m for UNICEF and will be looking to smash that barrier in 2025.
Soccer Aid has been running since 2006, with the inaugural event held at Old Trafford.
England beat a Rest of the World team that included the late Diego Maradona.
England are looking to retain the title this year, having claimed a 6-3 victory in 2024 – their first in six years.
Soccer Aid on talkSPORT
talkSPORT will also have live coverage of Soccer Aid presented by Alex Crook.
Commentary will be coming from Olly Clink and Jason Cundy.
To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.
You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
talkSPORT.com will keep you up to date with all the latest news too.
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