Marcus Rashford’s distinctive celebration this season has sparked a trend in football. With 29 goals under his belt so far, the English forward has introduced a new way to mark his achievements, seen as both a defiant message to critics and an inspiration to young players.
PSG’s Kylian Mbappe scored a brace on his birthday, with his brother Ethan making his debut.
Explaining Marcus Rashford’s goal celebration: What it means, when it started, and why others are adopting it.
The Manchester United star often points to his temple after scoring, symbolizing his mindset as a top athlete. While Rashford hasn’t publicly explained its significance, his celebration has gained popularity across football circles.
Throughout the season, numerous athletes have honored Rashford by imitating his celebration, including his teammate and friend Jadon Sancho, who has incorporated it into his goal celebrations.
Recently, Kylian Mbappe’s younger brother Ethan, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain’s U-19 team and occasionally trains with the senior squad, performed Rashford’s celebration after scoring a remarkable goal in a friendly match. Unlike Kylian, Ethan is a left-footed midfielder known for his composed play and forward runs.
Ethan’s admiration for Rashford, who has shone for United across various competitions this season, suggests a strong affinity for the English forward’s style and impact.
Kylian Mbappe has also shown respect for Rashford, often interacting with him on social media and praising his performances.
Mbappe evidently enjoyed seeing his brother replicate Rashford’s celebration, showing his approval with three ‘fire’ emojis on Ethan’s Instagram post showcasing the moment.
Despite comparisons to Ruben Neves’ celebrations, United supporters believe Rashford has made this celebration his own through its frequent use this season, solidifying his unique presence in football.