Marcus Rashford, an English professional footballer, has an estimated net worth of $25 million. He plays as a forward for Manchester United in the Premier League and represents the England national team. Rashford’s achievements with Manchester United include winning the FA Cup, EFL Cup, FA Community Shield, and the Europa League. He has also participated in major international tournaments, such as the 2018 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro competitions in 2016 and 2020.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on October 31, 1997, in Manchester, England, Marcus Rashford grew up in a single-parent, working-class household. He is of Kittitian heritage and has four older siblings: two brothers, Dwaine and Dane, and two sisters, Chantelle and Claire. Rashford’s football journey began at age five when he joined Fletcher Moss Rangers, initially playing as a goalkeeper. After a week of training with Manchester City, he eventually joined Manchester United’s academy. By 11, he became the youngest player ever selected for the Manchester United Schoolboy Scholars scheme.
Rising Through the Ranks
Rashford was part of the Manchester United under-15 team in 2012. The following year, he trained with the senior squad at just 16 years old. By the 2013-14 season, Rashford had made a name for himself, scoring six goals in 11 appearances with the Under-18 team, earning the team captaincy in the process. His rapid development continued as he moved up through the academy ranks.
2015-16 Debut
Rashford’s breakthrough came during the 2015-16 season when he was included in Manchester United’s squad for the UEFA Europa League round of 32. In his debut match against Danish side Midtjylland, Rashford scored twice in the second half, helping his team secure a 5-1 victory. His performance made him United’s youngest scorer in European competition. Just three days later, he marked his Premier League debut against Arsenal, scoring twice again. Rashford made history once more when he scored the only goal in the Manchester derby, becoming the youngest player to do so in Premier League history. In the FA Cup, Rashford played a key role in United’s progression, including a decisive goal against West Ham United. He also helped lead United to FA Cup victory, defeating Crystal Palace in the final. For his contributions, Rashford earned the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award.
European Success and Further Achievements
By the 2016-17 season, Rashford had already accumulated significant success. He helped Manchester United win the EFL Cup, making a late substitute appearance in the final against Southampton. Later, in the Europa League final against Ajax, Rashford played a starting role, contributing to United’s triumph. The following year, he made his UEFA Champions League debut, scoring in a 3-0 victory over Basel. In March 2018, Rashford scored twice against Liverpool, marking his first Premier League start of the year. However, United was eliminated from the Champions League shortly afterward.
One of Rashford’s notable achievements came in January 2019 when he scored in three consecutive league matches, including a goal against Tottenham Hotspur. A week later, he made his 150th club appearance in a 2-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, becoming the youngest player to score in four consecutive league matches. This feat earned him both Manchester United’s Player of the Month and Premier League Player of the Month awards.
Renewed Contract and Peak Performance
In July 2019, Rashford extended his contract with Manchester United for another four years. Following a memorable goal that ended Liverpool’s 17-match winning streak, he entered the best scoring run of his career, netting 16 goals in 20 matches. He continued his excellent form in the 2020-21 Champions League, scoring in United’s win against PSG and securing a hat-trick in a dominant 5-0 victory over RB Leipzig. By December 2020, he became the third-youngest player in Manchester United history to score 50 Premier League goals. Rashford also contributed a goal in United’s record-tying 9-0 victory against Southampton earlier that year.
International Career
Rashford quickly rose to prominence on the international stage. Shortly after his debut with Manchester United, he was included in England’s squad for UEFA Euro 2016, becoming the tournament’s youngest player. Rashford’s first international goal came when he scored on his debut against Australia. In the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Rashford scored in England’s warm-up match against Costa Rica and played a role in their successful tournament run, including a key penalty shoot-out goal against Colombia. England’s fourth-place finish was their best in decades.
During the 2021 summer, Rashford participated in Euro 2020. Unfortunately, he missed a penalty in the final shootout, contributing to England’s loss to Italy. Following the defeat, he faced racist abuse online but continued to advocate for racial equality and social change.
Activism and Advocacy
Outside of football, Rashford has become a powerful advocate for social issues such as child hunger, homelessness, and racism in the UK. He launched a food poverty campaign in 2019 and has used his platform to support charities that aim to alleviate these issues. His advocacy work earned him numerous accolades, including the inaugural FIFA Foundation Award and an honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester, highlighting his efforts off the field.
