What happened to Soccer Aid co-founder who had to quit playing in games

Soccer Aid co-founder Jonathan Wilkes is rarely seen during the iconic annual match, and we now know why.

On Sunday night, celebrities an former football legends will come together to face each other on the pitch and raise money for charity in the annual Soccer Aid match.

Wayne Rooney, Jill Scott, Jack Wilshere, and Theo Walcott are among the former players representing England, while Leonardo Bonucci, Ali Krieger, and Jordi Alba will face them in the World XI.

Reality TV star Chloe Burrows, IT Crowd actor Chris O'Dowd, Biffy Clyro frontman Simon Neil, former England rugby player Joe Marler and Adolescence breakout star Owen Cooper are among the famous faces making their debuts this year.

They will join celebrities like Usain Bolt, Tom Hiddleston, Olly Murs and co-founder Robbie Williams who are returning this year.

READ MORE: Soccer Aid 2026 line-up confirmed as record-breaking player named in squad

But one famous face that will not be appearing this year is Jonathan Wilkes, who founded Soccer Aid with Williams back in 2006.

Since then the charity event has raised more than £120 million for UNICEF UK and is widely seen as one of the biggest events in the sporting calendar.

Like Williams, Wilkes used to join the celebs and former players on the pitch at Soccer Aid, playing six times for England with his last match being in 2017.

And he was often regarded as one of the best celeb players having previously played football professionally having signed for Port Vale FC aged seven and later playing for Everton as a teenager.

But, Wilkes chose not to pursue a career on the pitch and instead has worked in presenting, acting and singing, following childhood friend Williams in the world of showbiz.

Following his final appearance nine years ago, Wilkes has struggled with a recurring hamstring injury that led to him deciding to take a step back to focus on the behind the scenes of the event.

Now, Wilkes remains a key part of Soccer Aid and is heavily involved in the organization and ongoing promotion of the event.

Speaking about his relationship with Williams and their work on Soccer Aid, Wilkes said: "It does not matter if we have not spoken for months and months, we just go back to the old routine.

"I'm proud to death of him - he's been my best mate all my life. Our mums are best mates and we grew up together doing ''am dram''.