The star of Adolescence is no stranger to breaking records after soaring to fame last year
Cooper shot to fame after starring in Adolescence(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Adolescence star Owen Cooper is no stranger to breaking records after shooting to worldwide fame through his breakout role in the Netflix smash hit last year.
Having been just 14 years old during filming of the limited series, the now-16-year-old received major plaudits for his performance and has since scooped some of the biggest awards in the world. Those wins have seen him make history as the youngest-ever recipient of a Best Supporting Actor award at the BAFTA TV awards as well as the youngest male supporting actor at the Golden Globes and Primetime Emmys.
Now, the Warrington-born actor is set to make history again on Sunday as the youngest player ever to appear in a Soccer Aid match.
With the annual charity football match celebrating its 20th anniversary, Cooper wasn’t even born when the first edition was held in 2006, nor when the second took place two years later in 2008.
Representing England, he will line up alongside former internationals including Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe and Theo Walcott.
He will also be joined by other famous faces in the Three Lions lineup, including Robbie Williams, Tom Hiddleston, Jack Whitehall and Paddy McGuinness.
Despite his tender age, Cooper has been tipped to one day eclipse the personal fortunes of some his teammates, having already built an estimated net worth of around £750,000 at 16 years old.
Having already landed a role in Wuthering Heights alongside Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, the young actor is now set to star in psychological thriller Foxfinder with Tessa Thompson and Ebon Moss-Bachrach.
If he continues his transition from supporting actor to leading man, he has been backed to enjoy a similar career trajectory to the likes of Timothee Chalamet and Tom Holland.
After being confirmed as part of this year’s Soccer Aid lineup, Cooper said: “I’m incredibly proud to be playing at Soccer Aid for Unicef in its 20th anniversary year.
“I wasn’t even born when the first Soccer Aid took place but I’m a big fan! Becoming the youngest player to take part is a real honour and I’m excited to step out at the London Stadium on May 31.
“This event raises vital funds to help children grow up safe, healthy and able to play – and I’m grateful to be part of such an important cause.”
England Soccer Aid team:
Celebrities: Alex Brooker, Angry Ginge, Big Zuu, Chloe Burrows, Damson Idris, GK Barry, Jack Whitehall, Joe Marler, Jordan North, Olly Murs, Owen Cooper, Paddy McGuinness, Robbie Williams, Sam Thompson, Tom Hiddleston, Tom Grennan
Ex-pros: Jermain Defoe, Jill Scott, Jack Wilshere, Joe Hart, Steph Houghton, Theo Walcott, Wayne Rooney
World XI Soccer Aid team:
Celebrities: Behzinga, Chris O’Dowd, Dermot Kennedy, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Maisie Adam, Nabhaan Rizwan, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Nicky Byrne, Richard Gadd, Simon Neil