"Michael Phelps would be a good keeper"- Usain Bolt picks his soccer aid team ft. Baltimore Bullet, Noah Lyles, and Asafa Powell

By Abhiruchi Rout

Modified Jul 17, 2024 23:26 GMT

Usain Bolt recently picked his ultimate Soccer Aid lineup which featured Michael Phelps and other prominent track and field athletes. Bolt has been a regular part of the World Soccer XI team that competes in an exhibition-style football match against England.

Soccer Aid is a charity event that takes place annually between a World XI and England, raising money through ticket sales and public donations in support of UNICEF UK.

Ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, Usain Bolt was asked the Olympians he would include in his ultimate football lineup. He picked himself, Asafa Powell, Nesta Carter, Michael Phelps, Noah Lyles, Mo Farah, Michael Johnson, Don Quarrie, Donovan Bailey, and Daniel Bailey in his team.

In a statement shared on the Olympics Instagram page, Bolt started by picking Powell and Carter as they know how to play football. He also chose Farah because of his football experience. He said:

“I know Asafa [Powell] and Nesta Carter can play football, so I'll go for them. Mo [Farah], definitely, because I've seen him play over the years.”

The world record holder picked 'Baltimore Bullet' Michael Phelps as the goalkeeper for the team, stating:

“I definitely think [Michael] Phelps would maybe be a good keeper. You know what I mean? Because of the diving.”

Usain Bolt then opted for American 200m record holder Noah Lyles in his squad, stating:

“[Noah] Lyles, because of his confidence.”

Discus thrower Jason Morgan was chosen as a center-back for his endurance. On the inclusion of Johnson, Quarrie, Donovan and Daniel Bailey in the team, Bolt said:

“Michael Johnson, because talent is what we do. I think Don Quarrie, he has played sports before. [Donovan] Bailey, he's tall and strong also. And one more, I'll go Daniel Bailey also, he's a fellow trainer, and he was good at sports also.”

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Usain Bolt ruptured his Achilles during the Soccer Aid charity match at Stamford Bridge

Usain Bolt in action in the Soccer Aid match (Image via Getty)

Usain Bolt sustained an injury during the Soccer Aid charity match at Stamford Bridge in June 2024 as he ruptured his Achilles tendon. As a result, the captain of the World XI was carried off the field on a stretcher.

Following that, the eight-time Olympic gold medalist had to undergo surgery for his ruptured Achilles. He gave an update after his surgery on his Instagram handle, stating:

“Surgery was successful 👊🏿💪🏿🙏🏿”

Bolt also served as the captain of the World XI squad during the 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2018 editions of the charity event.