While England might have lost on the pitch, Sam Thompson still managed to have a winning night off it.
After the whirlwind of Soccer Aid at Old Trafford, the 32-year-old reality star and presenter was spotted leaving the Hilton Manchester Deansgate with sports presenter Jolie Sharpe.
Big Zuu Seals the Win, but Sam Steals the Spotlight
The charity match saw rapper Big Zuu clinch the winning goal for the World XI, handing them a close 5-4 victory over England.
Despite the loss, the real triumph was the massive £15 million raised for Unicef.
Emotions ran high, but that didn’t stop stars from letting their hair down at the afterparty.
Sam, who recently pulled out of the match due to injuries, still turned heads.
Dressed down in a charcoal-grey co-ord and white tee, he kept things effortlessly cool.
, 23, stood out in a stylish white ruffled mini skirt paired with a denim jacket as the two were seen exiting together, sparking buzz among fans.
Keeping the Peace With Louis Tomlinson Over Zara
What made the event even more intriguing? The behind-the-scenes tension between Sam and singer Louis Tomlinson, who just so happens to be dating Sam’s ex, Zara McDermott.
Although both men were on the England squad, they somehow managed to avoid a face-to-face moment on the pitch.
Sam only made a brief appearance during the closing moments of the match—after Louis had already exited.
Sources say the two had even held a “peace dinner” with teammates at Champneys spa in Tring, Hertfordshire before the game to avoid any drama.
Soccer Aid Sidelines Role After Painful Injury
After enduring a torn calf following a 260-mile charity challenge, Sam had to take a backseat in the match.
Instead, he contributed from the dugout as part of the coaching crew.
Speaking to This Morning, he explained, “I’m still very sore… but it does not get better than this.
We’ve got Vicky McClure, Tyson Fury, and Harry Redknapp—plus me!”
Despite being benched, his enthusiasm for the event was clear. “Come on baby!” he joked on air.
New Romance, Old History
Sam’s split from Zara late last year after five years together was headline news—and it only became more of a talking point in March when she was revealed to be dating Louis Tomlinson.
Naturally, that raised a few eyebrows ahead of Soccer Aid.
On their podcast, Sam’s friend and co-host Pete Wicks didn’t hold back.
“Any kind of people in there you’re looking forward to playing with?” he asked cheekily, clearly hinting at the awkward Louis situation.
Sam played it cool: “Tom Grennan. Wayne Rooney. Tyson Fury. I can’t wait.”
Pete didn’t let it go: “Just in case there’s any rivalries or anything, get Tyson on side.
You know, close quarters… anything can come up.”
Jolie Sharpe’s Star Continues to Rise
As for Jolie Sharpe, she’s not just a pretty face on the sidelines.
The sports presenter also runs her own marketing agency, JGS Live, which partners with TikTok and has worked with big names like British Airways, Chelsea FC, and The Economist.
Her appearance alongside Sam didn’t go unnoticed—and given the spark between them, fans are already wondering if there’s something more going on there.