Alex Brooker got emotional as he opened up on the incredible impact Soccer Aid has had on his life.
The comedian, 42, is returning to the England squad for the annual charity football event on Sunday (May 31), which is being held at West Ham’s London Stadium He made history back in 2022 when he became the first ever disabled player to feature in the UNICEF fundraiser .
The Last Leg star has disabilities affecting the development of both arms and hands, and wears a prosthetic leg after having his right leg amputated when he was a young child.
The star-studded soccer match has always meant a great deal to Alex as he has always had a passion for playing football and the charity match has let me fulfil his dream of playing the sport.
View 3 ImagesThe star made history as first ever disabled player to feature in the UNICEF fundraiser (Image: ITV)
During an appearance on Tuesday’s (May 26) special episode of Soccer Aid: More Than Just a Game, he admitted that he never thought he would get the opportunity to take part.
He said: “If you had said to me in 2006 that I would end up playing in Soccer Aid 20 years later I would say ‘no chance’. I would have generally said there is more chance of my leg growing back.”
Alex went on to explain: “So, from birth my mum and dad were told that I probably wouldn’t walk. Both feet were almost pointing inwards and… a lot going on.” I just loved playing football. I played every lunchtime. I just loved it.
“I found something that I loved and obviously, logic, when you’re like nine or ten-years-old doesn’t tell you ‘mate you’ve got half the feet of all the other people you’re playing against so that may hinder you in this’ like any other kid I thought I’d probably go right to the very top.
“I remember my dad going ‘just knock it on the top of the edge’ and I just kept pushing because I just wanted to…”
View 3 ImagesAlex is returning to the England squad for the annual charity football event
The star was visibly emotional as he continued: “Sorry, I got emotional there, it took me back into the mindset. More than anything else, that was the one thing where I think I wanted to be…”
Alex broke down in tears as he explained: “Whoa.. The one thing I wanted was to be like my mates, so when I got the call up in 2022, I’ve never been more excited.”
In a heartfelt moment, Alex admitted: “You can not quantify what playing in Soccer UNICEF has given me. When I was 10, 12, seeing someone with a leg like me playing football oh man it would have been incredible but I’m very proud of it.”
He added: “I just want to do as much as possible to give back because I’ll never be able to repay what it’s given me.”
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Soccer Aid 2026 will air on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player on Sunday, May 31 at 5pm and kick-off is from 6.30pm BST