MARCUS RASHFORD will grace the front cover of Time magazine’s March edition after being named among the ‘Next 100 Most Influential People’.
The Manchester United star was awarded an MBE for his sterling efforts in forcing the government into providing free school meals for kids in need.
Marcus Rashford will be on the front cover of March’s Time MagazineCredit: Time
And now the 23-year-old will follow in the foosteps of sporting royalty such as Lionel Messi, LeBron James and Roger Federer by gracing the cover of the famous mag.
But his influence is as much, if not more, linked to matters away from sport than in it.
Rashford campaigned for the government to ensure no child went hungry during the school holidays – forcing them into a very public U-turn.
And in June last year Boris Johnson phoned the footballer to personally promise that food would be delivered to those in need during the Christmas, Easter and summer holidays.
Rashford described it as ‘the greatest moment of my life’ – there was even a mural painted of him in Manchester to recognise his efforts.
The England striker’s intro to Time Magazine’s next top 100 was penned by fellow trailblazer Lewis Hamilton.
The seven-time Formula One world champ and anti-racism campaigner wrote: “In 2020, Marcus Rashford took his many talents beyond the football field—where he is a star player for Manchester United and England’s national team—to respond to a national crisis: child hunger.
Marcus Rashford has been heralded for his efforts to see no child go hungryCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Lewis Hamilton has praised his sporting mate Marcus RashfordCredit: PA:Press Association
“‘I know what it feels like to be hungry,’ he wrote last June as part of a campaign that succeeded in pushing the government to provide meals for students in need during summer vacation.
“By standing up for the most vulnerable in our society, and using his platform and influence to create positive change, Marcus inspired countless others to join him on this mission and cemented his status as a role model.
“In a year that showed us the power of working together toward a common goal, he was a galvanizing force behind uniting people across the UK in the effort to ensure that no child goes hungry.
“His determination, resilience and persistence have been truly inspiring. I cannot wait to see how he continues this important work.”
Rashford spent time doing charity work last yearCredit: PA:Press Association
The footballer was honoured with this mural on a wall in ManchesterCredit: akse_p19 Instagram
Rashford has previously spoken how hearing his mum cry at night as she struggled to provide for her family is what inspired him to help feed starving children during lockdown.
The England and Manchester United striker said his mum never got help and that is what ‘drives him’ to help feed other families.
As well as his sensational work off the pitch, Rashford has nailed down a regular starting spot at his boyhood club United and has been capped 40 times for England.
And he is currently leading the fight against social media abuse of players and officials.
His speaking out over this has been heralded by many, including United legend and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville who called him ‘brave’.
Marcus Rashford’s old friend hails his free school meals campaign as her family still benefits
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
