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Tom Hanks and Tim Allen make surprise Soccer Aid appearance at London Stadium

Hollywood stars Tom Hanks and Tim Allen dropped the ball for kick-off at Soccer Aid's 20th anniversary match at London Stadium on Sunday, with Allen raising laughs over his unfamiliarity with penalty shootouts. The charity fixture had already raised over £4.6 million for UNICEF.

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Tom Hanks and Tim Allen make surprise Soccer Aid appearance at London Stadium
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Tom Hanks and Tim Allen made an unannounced appearance at Soccer Aid’s 20th anniversary charity match at London Stadium on Sunday, helping kick off a fixture that had already raised more than £4.6 million for UNICEF before the final whistle.

The Toy Story co-stars — who voice Woody and Buzz Lightyear respectively — were interviewed pitchside by presenter GK Barry ahead of kick-off. When asked what had brought them to the event, Hanks, 69, explained they were there to drop the ball for the ceremonial start and help raise funds. Allen, 72, was more candid about his grasp of the sport, joking that he was “just b***ing about penalty shots” and intended to “try to work out how you win or lose a game on a penalty shot.” Hanks, claiming some prior knowledge of the British game, shot back: “You cannot use your hands.”

The pair returned to the pitch to carry out the ceremonial kick-off, with Hanks announcing that £4,646,971 had already been raised. Allen rounded off the moment by delivering Buzz Lightyear’s signature line: “To infinity and beyond.”

Earlier in the day, singer Olly Murs revealed he had personally generated £1,342,214 by completing a 400km challenge involving running, cycling, and rowing from Old Trafford to London Stadium.

The match itself brought together a broad roster of football legends and celebrities. Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney led the England attack, with Robbie Williams serving as manager. The England squad also included Jill Scott, Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott, Joe Hart, Tom Hiddleston, Danny Dyer, Paddy McGuinness, and Jack Whitehall, among others.

Olympic sprint legend Usain Bolt managed the World XI, whose squad featured Edwin van der Sar in goal alongside former internationals Michael Essien, Jordi Alba, Leonardo Bonucci, Dimitar Berbatov, and Nemanja Matic. Richard Gadd and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau were among the celebrity additions to the World side.

The event, now in its 20th year, continues its mission to raise funds for UNICEF through the combination of competitive football and celebrity entertainment that has defined the fixture since its inception.

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