Andriy Shevchenko, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Clarence Seedorf, Fabio Cannavaro, & more, play Game4Ukraine, Stamford Bridge, August 5th

Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge played host to a once in a lifetime music and football extravaganza, Game4Ukraine on August 5th. Kick-off was at 6pm, with pre match entertainment from 5pm.

This star-studded global fundraiser, curated by Shevchenko and Zinchenko in partnership with the official charity platform of President Zelsnskyy, UNITED24, was broadcast live to over 200 countries with all money raised going towards the rebuild of Mykhailo-Kotsiubynsky Lyceum school in Chernihiv Oblast, which was destroyed by missiles in the current conflict. Game4Ukraine believes that all children should have safe and sanitary access to their education.

“Game4Ukraine is more than just a football game. It’s such an important cause. We have to continue to help Ukrainian children. I’m so proud of Alex [Zinchenko] and what we’ve been able to achieve with this game.” – Andriy Shevchenko

“This game was an amazing opportunity to show that we will stick together. Ukrainian people have watched this game back home and they can see that they are not alone.” – Oleksandr Zinchenko

FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, Ballon D’or winners, and more, pledged their support by pulling on the blue and yellow jerseys for the 90-minute game. Those names include Andriy Shevchenko, Clarence Seedorf, Petr Cech, Fabio Cannavaro, Gerard Piqué, Claude Makélélé, Samuel Eto’o, Gianfranco Zola, Robert Pires, Michael Essien, and Gilberto Silva.

“It’s amazing what Alex and Andriy have put on. We all know what is going on in the world, and to have this many people come out and support is very special. It was an absolute pleasure to be out there and involved.” – Mark Noble

The teams were managed by the legendary Arsene Wenger, assisted by Rio Ferdinand, and WSL powerhouse Emma Hayes, assisted by Roberto Di Matteo.

“It was such a nice feeling to see many of my legends back on the pitch. It was amazing to see the generations of Arsenal talent that turned out to support, from Gilberto [Silva] to Alex [Zinchenko]. There was so much warmth and respect in the stadium. Football can be so powerful in supporting those that suffer, even if just for 90 minutes. I’ve seen such solidarity here today.” – Arsene Wenger

Arsenal FC’s Zinchenko and Chelsea FC’s Mudryk both made 5-minute on-pitch appearances. 

Playing alongside these football greats were film and entertainment stars – Tom Grennan (played and performed), James Arthur, Mark Strong, Ralf Little, Russell Howard, Archie Renaux, Chelcee Grimes, and Ted Lasso stars Phil Dunster and Toheeb Jimoh.

The 90-minute football extravaganza was sandwiched by musical performances pre-game, post-game and at half-time, where fans were treated to an array of talent, including Tom Grennan and The Pretenders, who were joined by special guests from Ukraine – Vakarchuk of Ocean Elzy Band, Jamala, and Boombox. Melanie C played a special DJ set.

“The power of music and sport translates all over the world, across generations. I am honoured to show my support for the children of Ukraine.” – Melanie C

The game ended 2-2 with goals from Jack Wilshere, Clarence Seedorf, and William Gallas.

Playing/Coaching talent: Arsene Wenger, Emma Hayes, Rio Ferdinand, Roberto Di Matteo, Andriy Shevchenko, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Clarence Seedorf, John Arne Riise, Joe Cole, Michael Essien, Samuel Eto’o, William Gallas, Bacary Sagna, David James, Petr Cech, Jermain Defoe, Gerard Piqué, Jack Wilshere, Gäel Clichy, Gianfranco Zola, Carlo Cudicini, Chelcee Grimes, Claire Rafferty, Carly Telford, Katie Chapman, Dida, James Arthur, Jens Lehmann, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Joleon Lescott, Mark Noble, Massimo Oddo, Mikäel Silvestre, Per Mertesacker, Phil Dunster, Toheeb Jimoh, Mark Strong, Robert Pires, Russell Howard, Serginho, Gilberto Silva, Wes Morgan, Roman Kemp, Shota Arveladze, Evgeniy Levchenko, Archie Renaux, Tom Grennan, Darijo Srna, Serhiy Rebrov, Junior Moraes, Mykhailo Mudryk.

To re-watch the full broadcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avyfZ_lud20

To donate today: https://www.game4ukraine.com/donate/

Partners included: UNITED24, Chelsea FC (venue), Uber, Ring, Vbet, ICU, Matchworn Shirt, Revolut, Sky Max, Talksport, Common Goal, Game of our Lives.