Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford was bestowed with the inaugural FIFA Foundation award at the virtual FIFA’s ‘The Best’ Awards ceremony on Thursday. The England forward was recognized by the FIFA “for his outstanding efforts and humanitarian work to combat child poverty.”
Earlier this year, when football was halted due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Rashford successfully campaigned to the UK government to provide free school meals to children in need. He also helped in raising money and awareness to combat the serious issue of child poverty.
While announcing the award, the FIFA also pledged to donate USD $100,000 to support Rashford’s charity work.
Rashford, who was on club duties at the time of the award ceremony, sent a pre-recorded message in which he thanked the FIFA committee for the recognition.
“I’d just like to say thank you because I know people from other countries, they want to get involved and they want to learn and understand more about it,” the United striker said.
“It will have a knock-on effect because things will start to happen in other countries as well. I have had messages from other players who play in different leagues and they want to do a similar thing for their country.
“For me, it is brilliant and it is why I started it. I wanted to make change and to give people a better chance at life. It is having a good impact and it is working at the end of the day.
“The kids are looking forward instead of behind, they have got their heads up instead and down, so thank you very much,” Rashford added.
The 23-year-old, meanwhile, starred in United’s 3-2 win over Sheffield United on Thursday, scoring a brace and helping the team to a perfect away record this season. United have now won all six of their away games this season, coming from behind in all six.
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