Marcus Rashford has been named on the ‘Powerlist’, recognising some of the UK’s most influential people from African, African-Caribbean and African-American heritage.
The list aims to “showcase black role models to young people” and is chosen by a panel of judges. Rashford is alongside Brits such as Stormzy and Sir Lenny Henry.
The 24-year-old has become one of the most admirable footballers across Europe for his continued work to support some of England’s most vulnerable groups.
Rashford grew up in a single-parent, working-class family and has previously opened up about some of the struggles he faced as a child, as well as the stresses his mum faced when providing for her five children. When Rashford was awarded an MBE, he dedicated the award to her.
One campaign that garnered a lot of media and public attention was Rashford’s call for the government to provide free school meal vouchers for children throughout the summer holidays during the COVID pandemic, as opposed to stopping the vouchers at the end of term.
Rashford described how the food vouchers had benefitted his family before.
"My mum was a single parent. She was literally working, trying to sleep, working, trying to sleep."
Footballer Marcus Rashford describes how food vouchers helped his family, and calls on the government to do a U-turn on stopping free school meal vouchers during summer holidays. pic.twitter.com/se7F7joJJk
— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) June 15, 2020
The campaign resulted in thousands of businesses coming together across the UK and kindly offering their help to families over the summer holidays; providing free or discounted meals, something that would have significantly benefited a large number of children and adults.
United fans should take pride in Rashford being one of our own
United has an outstanding history of trophies, records and incredible players, and Rashford has already etched his name into the history books for the pride he gives to the club both as a player and a person.
A Manchester-born talent, Rashford has spent his entire footballing career in red and it’s incredible to see what he has achieved so far.
The England international will celebrate his 25th birthday on October 31st and Rashford likely will be aiming to commemorate the special by also hitting 100 goals for United, after netting his 99th against Sheriff on Thursday, October 27.
