Paddy McGuinness Jokes About Carlos Tevez’s Four Goals After Soccer Aid 2025 Charity Match

When Paddy McGuinness posted a photo of his bruised leg with the caption "Cheers Tevez... T***," he didn’t mean it — not really. The joke, shared on Instagram after the Soccer Aid 2025 Old Trafford charity match, was a tongue-in-cheek nod to the sheer dominance of Carlos Tevez, the 41-year-old Argentine legend who tore through England’s defense like it was a training drill. Tevez scored four goals in World XI’s stunning 5-4 comeback win, turning his former home ground into a personal highlight reel. And while teammate Angry Ginge took things further with an explicit social media outburst calling Tevez a "t***," McGuinness turned the moment into comedy — and somehow, it worked.

Tevez’s Masterclass at Old Trafford

It wasn’t just a goal fest — it was art. On June 16, 2025, Carlos Tevez didn’t just play for World XI; he owned the pitch. At the 74,310-capacity Old Trafford, where he once lifted trophies for both Manchester United and Manchester City, Tevez netted four times — two from close range, one from distance, and a penalty that left Paddy McGuinness — England’s goalkeeper and a comedian by trade — sprawled on the turf. The final score, 5-4, masked how one-sided the second half felt. England had led 2-0 at halftime thanks to goals from Wayne Rooney and Toni Duggan, but Tevez’s sheer will, timing, and cheeky finishes dismantled the home side. He didn’t just score — he taunted, danced, and reminded everyone why he was once feared across Europe.

Angry Ginge’s Outburst and McGuinness’s Response

After the final whistle, Angry Ginge, an England squad member and self-described Manchester United fan, took to social media with a blunt, vulgar message targeting Tevez. The comment, quickly deleted, sparked immediate backlash — and then, laughter. Enter McGuinness. First, he posted a photo of his swollen knee with the sarcastic "Cheers Tevez... T***" caption. It was the kind of self-deprecating humor only a British comic could pull off. Then came the real punchline: a candid snap of him arm-in-arm with Tevez, captioned: "Police are looking to contact this man in connection with an assault that took place in the Old Trafford area of Manchester last night. We urge members of the public not to approach him." No one called the cops. No one filed a complaint. It was pure, unfiltered comedy — a wink to the physicality of the match and the absurdity of a 51-year-old comedian being outplayed by a 41-year-old footballing legend.

The Real Winner: UNICEF

Here’s the thing: no one was actually mad. Not really. The Soccer Aid 2025 event raised over £15 million for UNICEF, the United Nations children’s agency founded in 1946. That’s more than any previous edition. The money will fund clean water, vaccines, and education for kids in conflict zones, refugee camps, and impoverished communities worldwide. Tevez, Rooney, Duggan, McGuinness — they all know this. The banter? The jokes? The "assault"? They’re part of the show. The real story isn’t the goals or the hashtags — it’s the fact that a match featuring retired pros, reality stars, and comedians brought in more than £15 million for children who can’t afford a pair of football boots.

Why This Matters Beyond the Goals

Soccer Aid has been running since 2006. It’s not just a celebrity game — it’s a cultural institution. Every year, it turns football’s most emotional rivalries into shared laughter. Tevez and Rooney, once bitter foes in the Manchester derby, played side by side in the same charity squad. That’s the magic. The tension on the pitch? Real. The post-match insults? Temporary. The impact? Permanent. McGuinness didn’t just make a joke — he turned a moment of embarrassment into a viral tribute. He didn’t mock Tevez; he celebrated him. And in doing so, he reminded everyone why we tune in: not for the drama, but for the heart.

What’s Next for Soccer Aid?

Organizers confirmed that the 2026 match will return to Old Trafford on June 14, 2026. Rumors suggest Cristiano Ronaldo may make his debut for World XI, while England could welcome back David Beckham as captain. But the real question isn’t who’s playing — it’s how much more they’ll raise. Last year’s total was £13.2 million. This year? £15.1 million. The trend is clear: fans don’t care if the keeper’s a comedian. They care if the kids get fed.

Background: The Legacy of Soccer Aid

Launched by Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes in 2006, Soccer Aid began as a one-off fundraiser after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. It quickly became an annual event, drawing celebrities like Ricky Gervais, Dermot O’Leary, and Frank Lampard. Over 19 years, the event has raised more than £140 million for UNICEF. What started as a lighthearted match between ex-pros and TV stars has become one of the UK’s most reliable sources of child welfare funding. The players? They’re just the face. The cause? That’s the real MVP.