Joe Marler, the former rugby union star turned television personality, will make his Soccer Aid debut this evening, Sunday, May 31, when he takes to the pitch as goalkeeper for England. The event, which brings together sporting and entertainment celebrities to raise funds for UNICEF, kicks off at 6:30 PM BST at the London Stadium and will be broadcast on ITV and ITVX.
Family Life with Wife Daisy
Joe Marler is married to Daisy Marler, whom he met in his early twenties. The couple had an on-again, off-again romance before marrying in 2017. They have four children: Pixie, Maggie, Felix, and Jasper. Joe has frequently praised Daisy for her unwavering support throughout his career. Speaking on the Great Company Podcast in 2025, he said, "I wouldn't be here, I wouldn't be in this world without her." He added, "She's everything. I love her to pieces. She is the reason I wake up in the morning to go and have an adventure for that day with her and the kids."
Mental Health Struggles
Joe has been open about his mental health challenges. On The High Performance Podcast in 2024, he described reaching his lowest point. He recalled an incident where he racially abused a Welsh player, which led to him withdrawing from an England tour. Nine months later, he experienced similar feelings, leading to further incidents. He recounted a devastating moment when Daisy, seven months pregnant, found him punching walls and shouting. He said, "That image of her lying on the floor crying her eyes out seven months pregnant, like that's burnt into my memory of my most ashamed I've been." Following this, Joe sought therapy and began medication to aid his recovery.
Scary Head Injury
Joe has also spoken about a head injury that "scared the life" out of him. In a 2022 interview with talkSport, he described being knocked "out cold" during a tackle. Upon regaining consciousness in the Harlequins physio room, he was asked about his children, but he had no recollection of having kids. He said, "I just paused and broke down ... I had no recollection of having kids and it just really scared the life out of me." His wife Daisy later insisted he follow proper concussion protocols, saying, "If you get a head knock, you follow the right protocols and you tell someone, because it's not about you anymore."
Retirement and New Career Ventures
Joe stepped away from professional rugby in 2018, with brief returns before finally retiring in 2024, citing mental wellbeing and a desire to spend more time with family. He gained a new fan base after appearing on the first series of Celebrity Traitors, where he performed admirably as a Faithful before being banished. He also hosts a successful podcast, Joe Marler Will See You Now, a comedy and pseudo-psychology series.
Soccer Aid 2026 kicks off tonight at 6:30 PM BST. For confidential support, call the Samaritans for free 24/7 on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
