‘Gutted’ Sam Thompson quits Soccer Aid over injury avoiding Louis Tomlinson run-in

Sam Thompson will no longer be playing in the 2025 Soccer Aid game (Picture: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)

Sam Thompson is no longer playing in this year’s Soccer Aid game, meaning he won’t have to face Louis Tomlinson on the pitch.

The former Made in Chelsea star, 32, was due to be teammates with Louis, 33, who is dating Sam’s ex-girlfriend Zara McDermott.

But Sam sustained injuries during his epic marathon challenge – in which he biked and jogged 260 miles from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford – leaving him unable to play.

He confirmed he won’t be playing on an appearance on This Morning.

‘I’m still very sore, still got the torn calf… I’m not going to be able to run around. You now have me as part of the management team. Come on England,’ he told Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond.

Saying his ‘legs are falling apart’, Sam will now be coaching with Wayne Rooney, boxer Tyson Fury, former manager, Harry Redknapp, Line of Duty’s Vicky McClure, and goalkeeper David James.

Sam said his ‘legs are falling apart’ (Picture: James Veysey/Shutterstock) Louis and Sam were both pictured at training yesterday (Picture: James Veysey/Shutterstock) In one photo from training Louis was seen standing right behind Sam (Picture: James Veysey/Shutterstock)

A source told The Sun: ‘Sam is gutted he can’t play, but the match has just come too soon since his efforts.

‘He’s still going to be a presence and play a big part in the coverage but he won’t be able to compete on the field.’

They added: ‘There is a small blessing in his withdrawal as the focus on him and Louis will disperse.

‘Their every move will be watched so it’s a relief in some ways they won’t be on the pitch together.’

Sam and Zara dated for five years (Picture: Instagram) Zara and Louis have been seen packing on the PDA on multiple occasions recently (Picture: Instagram)

Sam will play a ‘ceremonial role’ in Sunday’s match, kicking off the game before taking his spot on the sidelines.

Sam and Louis were pictured training this week at Soccer Aid HQ in Tring, Hertfordshire, where the England and Rest of the World teams are preparing for the big day.

Throughout training, they were seen passing the ball around with fellow teammates, who include Tom Grennan, Bear Grylls, Paddy McGuinness, Wayne Rooney, and Jill Scott.

One photo saw them pose for a team photo, with Louis standing directly behind Sam, while another showed Sam standing close by Louis as they trained.

Last year I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! winner Sam split from his long-time girlfriend Zara, who rose to fame appearing on Love Island.

The couple had been together for five years, however three months later Zara, was spotted on a date in Suffolk with Louis.

At the time, a source said Sam was ‘hurting’ and was struggling after seeing his ex ‘move on so quickly’.

Not long after the new romance was confirmed, it was revealed that the men were set to meet on live TV after both signing up for the Soccer Aid for Unicef match in June, where they will both be playing on the England team.

This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

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