Marcus Rashford’s Innovative Celebration Sparks Trend: A Bold Statement to Critics and Inspiration for Young Players
The frequent gesture of pointing to his head by the Manchester United forward seems to convey a message about his mindset as a top athlete. While Rashford hasn’t officially explained the meaning behind his new celebration, its popularity has surged throughout football circles.
Numerous athletes have honored Rashford this season by adopting his celebration after scoring goals. Among them is his Manchester United teammate and close friend Jadon Sancho, who not only appreciates the gesture but has also replicated it on a couple of occasions this season.
Throughout the season, several other footballers have joined in performing the celebration, with motivations ranging from paying homage to Rashford to expressing dissent. For instance, Aurelian Tchouameni showcased the celebration after netting a remarkable goal for France in their 2-1 semi-final triumph against England in Qatar. Ruben Neves humorously insists that it’s his birthday.
Kylian Mbappe’s younger brother, Ethan Mbappe, recently showcased his admiration for Marcus Rashford by emulating the English forward’s iconic celebration after scoring a stunning goal for Paris Saint-Germain’s U19 team.
At just 16 years old, Ethan, a left-footed midfielder, has been honing his skills with PSG’s youth squad while occasionally training alongside his brother in the senior team. Known for his composed style of play, Ethan possesses a knack for making penetrating runs and finding the back of the net.
In a recent friendly match, Ethan dazzled spectators with his goal-scoring prowess and opted to perform the Rashford celebration, a gesture that highlights his admiration for the Manchester United star.
The young midfielder’s affinity for Rashford is evident, with many speculating about a potential move to Old Trafford for the Mbappe brothers. Kylian’s friendship with Rashford, evident through their interactions on social media, further solidifies Ethan’s admiration for the English forward.
Kylian Mbappe himself seemed delighted to witness his brother’s tribute, as he showered Ethan’s Instagram post with three ‘fire’ emojis, indicating his approval of the celebration.
While some jest about the similarities to Ruben Neves’ celebration, it’s clear that Rashford’s influence is paramount. Rashford’s consistent use of the celebration has made it synonymous with his character on the field, undeterred by any accusations of imitation. As Rashford continues to showcase his talent and personality through this iconic celebration, he cements his place as a distinctive figure in the footballing world.