Scot and reigning World’s Strongest Man, Tom Stoltman, saved the day for his team at UNICEF’s Soccer Aid 2022 during a penalty shoot-out on Sunday.
The 28-year-old Highlander was goalkeeping for the World XI team against England, captained by sprint legend Usain Bolt.
The star-studded event went into penalties after the score remained 2-2 at full-time.
Stoltman stopped three penalty attempts by the English side, allowing only former professional footballer Mark Wright to squeeze through.
©UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella PicturesSinger Tom Grennan put England’s first penalty over the bar, before Stoltman prevented comedian Russell Howard’s attempt, keeping the score at 2-0 to World XI.
Wright’s goal brought the English side up to 3-1, but comedian Lee Mack netted the ball for a 4-1 victory to the rest of the world.
A lifelong Rangers fan, Stoltman showed off his skills on the pitch as a formidable goalkeeper in a training video in the run-up to the match at London Stadium.
©UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella PicturesHe became the first Scot to be crowned the World’s Strongest Man in 2021, and successfully defended his title in 2022 as well; he is the only Briton to ever be crowned in the contest twice.
Other stars seen on the pitch included former One Direction member Liam Payne, Line of Duty’s Martin Compston and a host of professional football stars – including David Beckham.
The record-breaking event raised £15,673,728 – the largest amount that has ever been raised in its 16-year history.
©UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella PicturesBeckham, a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, presented the Soccer Aid for UNICEF shield to the winning World XI team.
The 60,000-strong audience was also treated to a captivating half-time performance by co-founder of the event, Robbie Williams.
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