Edwin van der Sar makes surprise return to football aged 54

Edwin van der Sar will return to football this summer – well, sort of.

The Dutch football legend has confirmed that he’s set to participate in Soccer Aid as the goalkeeper for the World XI team.

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Taking place at Old Trafford – the home of Manchester United – on Sunday June 15, Van der Sar will be back in action at the age of 54.

It’s the second time that the goalkeeping hero has participated at Soccer Aid, having played for the Rest of the World XI in both 2012 and 2014.

In both games he has played the first 45 minutes before being replaced by Northern Irish presenter and comedian Patrick Kielty.

Van der Sar confirmed the news during his appearance on talkSPORT Drive with Andy Goldstein and Darren Bent and explained how delighted he was to return to Old Trafford.

He said: “It’s great, I’ve played twice at Soccer Aid before and it’s always been an amazing experience.

“You do it for UNICEF, you do it for the children and the cause that you are supporting but also a little bit for yourself. It’s great to be back at Old Trafford, on the pitch again and make a couple of quality saves.

“Hopefully it will be a great match for all the fans attending and who are watching it from the television.”

He added: “I really love that Leonadro Bonnucci is in, he’s only just retired. Nemanja Vidic is there and just the combination with celebrities – actors, magicians, chefs, whatever is a great experiences for us.”

Van der Sar’s return to Old Trafford will bring back fond memories after he spent six years as a Manchester United player.

Joining from Fulham in 2006, the Dutch goalkeeper played 266 times for the Red Devils.

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In that time he helped Sir Alex Ferguson‘s side to four Premier League titles, two League Cups and the Champions League which they won in 2008.

Van der Sar was the hero on that day, saving the decisive penalty from Nicolas Anelka to secure the trophy.

He also played for Juventus and won 130 caps for the Netherlands, while also winning four league titles and a Champions League with Ajax.

Van der Sar suffered a brain haemorrhage when he fell ill while on holiday in Croatia in July 2023 but has since made a full recovery.

The 130-cap Netherlands international will be managed by Peter Schmeichel who has been announced as part of the World XI management team.

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He’ll play alongside Nadia Nadim, Diamond (from Gladiators), Gorka Marquez, Martin Compston, Leonardo Bonucci and Tobi Brown with plenty more names to be announced.

As for the England team, they’ll be managed by Tyson Fury and Wayne Rooney who will be player/manager for the occasion.

Their team will include Joe Hart, Jill Scott, Steph Houghton, Gary Neville, Paddy McGuinness, Sam Quek, Tom Grennan, Sam Thompson and Sir Mo Farah with more names still to be confirmed.

Tickets start from £20 for adults and £10 for juniors and can be found HERE.