This summer, Mauricio Pochettino is set to return as a manager at Soccer Aid, joining Frank Lampard and Eden Hazard who are also making a comeback to Stamford Bridge.
The fundraising event, which has contributed over £90 million to UNICEF since its inception in 2006, is scheduled for June 9. Pochettino will helm the World XI team for a consecutive second year.
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Previously positioned in the Old Trafford technical area, Pochettino, along with his deputy Jesus Perez, will find themselves in the more familiar territory of west London for this year’s match.
Lampard is slated to return to Stamford Bridge as well, where he will lead the England squad, flanked by Harry Redknapp and Robbie Williams.
Lampard, 45, has managed Chelsea twice, with his latest tenure being a temporary stint at the end of the previous season, stepping in as caretaker manager after Graham Potter’s exit.
“Playing in front of a sold-out crowd at Stamford Bridge is special – for any player, on any occasion,” Lampard said, after his involvement at Soccer Aid was official.
“I’m excited to be doing that again – this time with Soccer Aid for UNICEF.”
Frank Lampard is expected to receive a hearty welcome, and the same goes for Eden Hazard, who will be making his first appearance at Stamford Bridge since his transfer to Real Madrid in 2019.
During his seven years at Chelsea, Hazard celebrated two Premier League victories and two Europa League triumphs, before his £89 million switch to Real Madrid.
However, the move didn’t pan out as hoped, with Hazard’s tenure in Spain marred by injuries, leading to the early termination of his contract. At 33, Hazard declared his retirement from professional football last October.
“My Chelsea family – I am coming home on Sunday 9th June! I can’t wait to see you all again,” Hazard said.
“Playing at Stamford Bridge was always amazing. We won so many trophies together there. Some of the very best memories I have in football – seven brilliant years. I miss them.”
Eden Hazard will team up with stars such as Usain Bolt, Roberto Carlos, and Tommy Fury in Pochettino’s World XI for Soccer Aid. The roster will expand in the upcoming weeks.
Representing England, Jill Scott, Stuart Broad, Jack Wilshere, and Sir Mo Farah are set to participate. England aims to secure their first win in this charity match since 2018.
