Injury Sustained During Training Session for Ramsay's Rest of the World XI vs England XI Match

In 2006, Gordon Ramsay sustained a leg injury during early training sessions for the inaugural Soccer Aid charity football match. The event, created by singer Robbie Williams and presenter Jonathan Wilkes, was scheduled to take place at Old Trafford in Manchester, with an England XI captained by Williams facing a Rest of the World XI led by Ramsay. As preparations began, Ramsay was actively involved in training with his team when he picked up the injury, raising doubts about his availability for the match. Ramsay had been named captain of the Rest of the World side, which included former professional footballers and celebrities. Reports at the time indicated that the injury made him a major doubt ahead of the fixture, though he ultimately recovered sufficiently to participate. The match, held on 27/05/2006 at Old Trafford, featured high-profile names including Diego Maradona, who appeared for the Rest of the World XI, along with a mix of former internationals and celebrity players. Soccer Aid was organized to raise funds for UNICEF and marked the first edition of what would become a recurring charity event. Despite concerns before kickoff, Ramsay took part in the match, fulfilling his role as captain of the Rest of the World XI. The inaugural Soccer Aid game concluded with England defeating the Rest of the World 2–1, launching the charity fixture that continued in later years with rotating celebrity and professional participants.