The rain was just starting to let up when I found my seat in the stadium, the smell of wet grass and anticipation hanging thick in the London air. I’ve been to charity matches before, but there’s something different about the Sidemen events – maybe it’s the electric mix of YouTube culture and genuine sporting passion that creates this unique atmosphere. As I watched the players warm up, I couldn’t help but think about how sports reveal character in ways ordinary life rarely does. That’s when I remembered something Philippine basketball coach Yeng Guiao once shared in an interview that perfectly captures this phenomenon.
He said with a smile, “Si Coach Anzai, kinukuwento nila Kai at saka ni Ervin, kaya daw gustong makita ‘yung practice or laro namin dahil medyo pareho kami ng temperament.” The translation roughly means they wanted to see their practice or game because they share similar temperaments. This insight struck me as I watched the Sidemen and their celebrity friends – there’s something about seeing people you normally watch on screens actually moving, competing, and revealing their true selves through sport that creates this magnetic pull for audiences. The way they handled both brilliant plays and embarrassing misses told us more about their characters than any scripted content ever could.
What made this year’s Sidemen Charity Football Match particularly special wasn’t just the entertainment value – though the 7-5 final score certainly delivered that – but the staggering amount raised for good causes. When the final numbers came in, the event had raised an incredible £2.4 million, completely shattering their previous record of £1.2 million from last year. I’ve been covering charity events for years, and I’ve never seen growth like this – it’s absolutely mind-blowing how much impact these creators can generate when they mobilize their communities. The Sidemen Charity Football Match raises record-breaking amount for good causes not just through ticket sales but through merchandise, streaming revenue, and corporate sponsorships that all contribute to this phenomenal total.
Watching Miniminter’s precise passes and Tobi’s determined defense, I realized why this event resonates so deeply with millions worldwide. It’s the authenticity – the same quality Coach Guiao identified in that interview about shared temperaments. When wealthy creators could be doing literally anything else with their time, choosing to train for weeks and put themselves in potentially embarrassing situations for charity says something meaningful about their priorities. The rain started falling again during the second half, but nobody left their seats – we were all too captivated by the genuine competition unfolding before us.
The final whistle blew to thunderous applause, and as I walked out of the stadium, I overheard groups of fans already speculating about next year’s event. What stuck with me most wasn’t any particular goal or funny moment, but the overwhelming demonstration of how digital communities can create real-world impact. The Sidemen have cracked the code on translating online influence into tangible good, and frankly, I hope more creators follow their blueprint. Between the soaked jersey I bought and the memories of that spectacular overhead kick, I left knowing I’d witnessed something truly special – not just a football match, but a masterclass in using platform for purpose.