World's Strongest Man saves the day in record-breaking charity match

UNICEF’s Soccer Aid 2022 raised over £15 million and was televised by STV and ITV on Sunday night.

Highlander and World’s Strongest Man Tom Stoltman saves world team in UNICEF Soccer Aid 2022 match©UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella Pictures

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.

The World X1 team boasted Usain Bolt, Martin Compston, Mo Gilligan and Patrice Evra, among others. ©UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella Pictures

Singer 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.

Rangers fan Stoltman played under number 55, as tribute to the Ibrox side's 55th premiership title last year. ©UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella Pictures

He 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.

The event raised an astounding £15,673,728. ©UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella Pictures

Beckham, 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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