On Sunday, June 15, 2025, the iconic Old Trafford stadium witnessed a unique blend of football legends and internet stardom collide during the 14th edition of Soccer Aid, a charity match supporting UNICEF. Among the celebrated names and seasoned professionals was a rising star from the digital world: Morgan Burtwhistle, better known as Angry Ginge. At just 23 years old, the Twitch streamer and social media sensation stole the spotlight with a breathtaking goal-line clearance that left fans and fellow players in awe.
The match pitted England against a World XI, featuring football greats such as Wayne Rooney, Rivaldo, and David Trezeguet. Early in the game, Rooney put England ahead with the opening goal, setting the tone for an intense contest. However, it was in the 20th minute that Angry Ginge made his unforgettable mark. As Trezeguet attempted to level the score by lifting the ball over England’s goalkeeper Joe Hart, Burtwhistle executed a stunning acrobatic dive to clear the ball off the line, denying the French legend a crucial goal. The crowd at Old Trafford erupted as Burtwhistle rose to his feet, pumping his fists in celebration.
Social media quickly buzzed with praise for the clearance, with many fans claiming that Angry Ginge outperformed some of Manchester United’s current defenders. One admirer wrote, “Honestly Angry Ginge is better than anyone else playing for a home team at Old Trafford lately, the sliding tackle earlier and that clearance. Fantastic stuff.” Another chimed in, “That clearance from Ginge was unreal,” while others predicted that this moment would be remembered for decades. Even celebrities joined the chorus, with One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson congratulating the 23-year-old for his heroic effort.
Angry Ginge’s journey to this moment is as compelling as the clearance itself. Born in November 2001 and raised in Salford, Burtwhistle rose to fame through his engaging streams on Twitch, TikTok, and YouTube, amassing over four million followers across platforms. His content, which initially centered on FIFA and EA FC gaming, expanded to include a variety of video games and real-life collaborations with popular creators like the Sidemen. In 2024, he was nominated for Best Sports Streamer at the Streamer Awards, a testament to his growing influence.
His footballing credentials extend beyond online streams. Angry Ginge manages Yanited, a team competing in Ballers League UK, a six-a-side football competition broadcast on Sky Sports. Under his leadership, Yanited secured a respectable third-place finish during the regular season, boasting seven wins, three losses, and a draw, and advanced to the grand final. However, his tenure hasn’t been without drama; during Game Week Six, Burtwhistle was involved in a heated brawl on the sidelines, requiring stewards to intervene and prevent escalation.
Before stepping onto the pitch at Old Trafford, Angry Ginge had already made a name for himself in charity football circles, participating in the 2025 Sidemen Charity Match—where he scored for the YouTube Allstars—and the Match for Hope 2025 alongside notable figures such as KSI and Chunkz. His passion for football is deeply personal; a devoted Manchester United fan, Burtwhistle idolized Wayne Rooney growing up. The two have a friendly rapport, having played Pro Clubs online together and shared social moments off the pitch. Reflecting on Rooney, Morgan told Indy100 in December 2024, “The one thing I'll say about Wayne Rooney is that he's absolutely brilliant, he's just a normal, down to earth lad and he's hilarious, he's funny, he's my idol as well growing up. The fact I've managed to go to his house and have a drink with him, let alone just to chill and speak to him is just crazy.”
The camaraderie was evident during Soccer Aid, where Rooney, at 38, expressed his willingness to return for future matches, saying, “If yous want us back I'll be back.” Burtwhistle responded with a playful jab, “You can come back tomorrow, mate. Don't be s again,” to which Rooney retorted with a grin, “Ah, you ginger *!”
Angry Ginge’s real name also sparked amusement among football personalities. On the Baller League UK podcast, former Manchester City defender Micah Richards was left in hysterics upon hearing the name Morgan Burtwhistle, reacting with disbelief and laughter. This light-hearted moment highlighted the blend of internet culture and traditional football that Burtwhistle embodies.
Financially, Angry Ginge’s success is significant. Estimates suggest that his earnings from YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram alone range between £804,000 and £1.1 million over the past year, not including income from Twitch or his involvement in Ballers League UK. His rise from a gaming content creator to a respected figure in football charity events and competitions illustrates the expanding influence of digital personalities in the sports world.
Soccer Aid itself remains a celebrated fixture in the charity football calendar. Founded in 2006 by music icon Robbie Williams, the event has raised over £90 million for UNICEF, supporting children worldwide by addressing health, nutrition, mental wellbeing, and emergency response. The 2025 match featured a star-studded England XI, including Jermain Defoe, Bear Grylls, Tom Grennan, Joe Hart, Gary Neville, and Louis Tomlinson, while the World XI was managed by Peter Schmeichel and included Tony Bellew, Nemanja Vidic, Gorka Marquez, and Martin Compston. The England bench featured Wayne Rooney, Tommy Fury, and Vicky McClure, with Harry Redknapp managing the home side.
The event was hosted by UNICEF UK Ambassador Dermot O’Leary, alongside Alex Scott, with commentary from Sam Matterface and Jason Manford. Broadcast live on ITV1 from 6 pm, Soccer Aid 2025 continued its tradition of blending entertainment, football, and philanthropy on one of the sport’s most hallowed grounds.
As the dust settled on this year’s match, Angry Ginge’s acrobatic clearance remained a highlight, symbolizing the evolving face of football where digital stars and legends share the same pitch. For Morgan Burtwhistle, the experience was more than just a game; it was a dream realized at Old Trafford, surrounded by idols and peers alike, and a moment that will undoubtedly fuel his growing legacy in both the virtual and real football arenas.
