Usain Bolt to make debut at Old Trafford for UNICEF's Soccer Aid
The home of Manchester United will be the scene for Usain Bolt's footballing debut but it will not be as a professional player, unlike what many were led to believe.
Usain Bolt will fulfil his dream and play at Old Trafford. However, this will not be in the shirt of a professional footballer and instead in a charity match for UNICEF.
Excited to announce that I will be playing in @socceraid for @UNICEF_uk 2018 at Old Trafford on Sunday 10th June. Make sure you're ready @robbiewilliams! ⚽️🌍 pic.twitter.com/t2sDB1iLP8
— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) February 27, 2018
UNICEF shirt for Bolt's Old Trafford debut
The legendary sprinter had teased his followers on social media on Sunday by stating he had "signed for a football team" and that he would announce it on Tuesday morning. And the Jamaican was true to his word, tweeting information about the annual Soccer Aid match which pits a selection of ex-players and celebrities together to raise money for good causes.
I've signed for a football team! Find out which one this Tuesday at 8am GMT 👀 pic.twitter.com/iFTlWxfy7x
— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) February 25, 2018
Sundown publicity stunt
The other party that, possibly cleverly, played a role in this communication frenzy was South African club Mamelodi Sundown. On Monday they posted a photo of Bolt hinting that they were the team he was signing for. The social media reaction to this was mixed: some saying this was a great publicity stunt, others - generally those from South Africa - suggesting it was embarrassing that everyone was so ready to believe that Bolt was good enough for the league.
Football will never be the same. Find out tomorrow 8am GMT! 😏👆 #Sundowns pic.twitter.com/nifRZFR62s
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) February 26, 2018