Two Soccer Aid celebrities almost became pro footballers before changing careers

Old Trafford will play host to a sea of stars as Soccer Aid returns on Sunday, featuring a cast of sporting legends, dancers, singers, comedians, boxers and more, all aiming to raise funds for UNICEF.

But it’s not only those with genuine football credentials who will be expected to dazzle given at least two members had the chances to turn pro in the past.

English singer Tom Grennan previously trialled with Aston Villa and was a youth player at Luton Town once upon a time. Meanwhile, American TikToker Noah Beck – who scored twice for the World XI as they emerged as victors in 2022 – is a former member of Real Salt Lake’s academy and played university football in Portland.

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After both featuring among the scorers in last year’s competition, both celebs will be back among the selections at the Theatre of Dreams. Top-10 UK charter Grennan returned to Kenilworth Road for a ‘trial’ in 2019, only for the boss at the time, Mick Harford, to ‘call him fat’.

“It was a good craic, but it’s mad how quick the footballers are and how fast the ball moves,” he told The Sun at the time. “It was a different level to anything I’m capable of. I played for Luton for a few years when I was about 13.

“The club heard what I’d been saying about being a footballer, so they decided to take a look at me. But I’ve not played as much football since my singing and songwriting career took off. You lose match sharpness and the muscles aren’t used to it any more.”

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It hasn’t worked out so badly for the 28-year-old despite not materialising a future in football, and the same can be said 2022 talisman Beck. The 22-year-old even impressed idol David Beckham as he squared off in midfield against West Ham legend Mark Noble, converting one spot-kick in normal time and another in the shootout.

The Arizona-born influencer gave up his pursuit of a career in ‘The Beautiful Game’ for social media stardom. That hasn’t killed his passion for the sport, however, having started supporting Manchester United when Cristiano Ronaldo joined the club from Sporting CP.

“When he went there, I became a huge fan, and when he left, I was like ‘do I go with him or the team?’ So I stuck with them [Man United],” said Beck ahead of the 2022 contest. “I became a bit of a Real Madrid fan, but Man U has been my team.

“Ronaldo is my all-time idol. I love him. David Beckham also. The things that they do on and off the pitch are just amazing. They are good pros and that’s like who I try to model myself on.”

It showed in the youngster’s acumen at London Stadium last year, where he played beyond is years in a match that eventually ended 2-2. His penalty opened the scoring taking the first spot-kick as the ‘visitors’ ran out 4-1 victors in the shootout.

The World XI will be hoping Beck is on form again at Old Trafford as he looks to dazzle at the home of some of his favourite players. However, Coventry City fan Grennan will put up some stiff resistance for the hosts, who will bank on the likes of Jermain Defoe, Jill Scott, Jack Wilshere and and Paul Scholes to see them through.