Sam Thompson has been forced to pull out of Soccer Aid 2025 ahead of the charity football match, which would have seen him play with ex-girlfriend Zara Thompson’s new man Louis Tomlinson
Sam Thompson has pulled out of Soccer Aid 2025, narrowly avoiding a potentially awkward encounter with Louis Tomlinson.
The 32 year old former Made In Chelsea star was set to play alongside the One Direction singer, who is currently dating Sam’s ex-girlfriend Zara McDermott.
In the run-up to the sporting event, Sam undertook a marathon challenge where he travelled a gruelling 260-mile journey from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford by foot and bike. During the five-day challenge, he sustained a calf strain and had to resort to cycling for part of the journey following advice from the medical team.
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.
“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.”
Earlier this week, Sam and Louis were seen training together at Soccer Aid HQ in Tring, Herts, where the England and Rest of the World teams are gearing up for the forthcoming match, reports the Express.
Sam was set to take on a “ceremonial role” in Sunday’s match (June 15), kicking off the game before joining the fans in the stands. Commenting on Sam’s inability to play, England teammate Mo Farah remarked: “If Sam’s unable to play that’s a shame but we’re still proud of him for his efforts and what he did for UNICEF. He’ll still be with us and part of our team on the day.”
Sam explained what happened with the injury: “On the first day I did the first marathon and on the last 2k I felt like I’d been shot in the back of the leg and I’ve completely torn the calf muscle but it’s fine I’m strapped up!”.
“We were absolutely drenched, and my back was aching, but having Chris there kept me going. I can cope with the bad conditions and the aches and pains, but my leg keeps letting me down.
“I was told at the last pitstop I could try and run the last few kilometres to test my leg and my recovery, so I cycled out the pitstop determined to make it as far as I could towards the stadium and tried to run into Villa Park.
“If I have to get up at 4am every morning for the rest of the week to complete this, I will. I’m going to make it to Manchester by Friday. I am so grateful to everyone that has supported me already and donated – that’s the one thing keeping going.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
