AS Hollywood endings go, Marcus Rashford has written his twice already this year.
The Manchester Utd forward, 25, produced a stunning display with a two-goal salvo to down Wales on Tuesday night.
Inside Marcus Rashford and Lucia Loi’s beautiful romance
Rashford and Loi pack on the PDA in Qatar after England defeat Wales
Rashford paid tribute to late pal Garfield Hayward when celebrating a goal against Wales
It was sweet redemption for Rashford who was unfairly criticised and racially abused online after missing a penalty against Italy in the Euro 2020 final in the summer of last year.
It also came at a time when the poacher was mourning the death of his close pal and “greatest supporter” Garfield Hayward – who he paid tribute to with a touching goal celebration.
But no one would have been cheering louder than girlfriend, Lucia Loi as he stole the show in Qatar this week.
When the final whistle went, Marcus was spotted planting a kiss on his beloved who was watching from the stands.
The pair are childhood sweethearts, having met at school when they were teenagers.
While back in summer, the free school meals hero got down on one knee and popped the question to Lucia – who instantly accepted his proposal.
Here’s how one of football’s sweetest couples went from the schoolgates to the verge of walking down the aisle…
Teenage kicks
Lucia has been by Rashford’s side since they were both 15.
They met in the halls at the Ashton on Mersey school in Sale, Manchester, when the aspiring footballer was coming through the youth team ranks at Old Trafford.
Love blossomed – and as Rashford broke into the United side aged just 18 interest in their private life arose.
Such scrutiny would never be easy.
Lucia was spotted in Russia at the 2018 World Cup cheering for her beau, alongside England’s famous Wags.
Following his and England’s success, cameras followed them.
On holiday in Barbados soon after, the pair were spotted on board a jet-ski together. It was the jet-set life, literally.
Teenage lovers Rashford and Loi met at school when they were 15
Their romance hit the front pages in 2018 after he starred at the World Cup in Russia
Rashford and Loi were spotted on a romantic getaway to Barbados
Soon, Rashford splashed £1.8million on a gorgeous six-bedroom house in Cheshire.
Lucia moved in, but there was trouble in paradise as the coronavirus ripped through the world, and their relationship.
In 2021, Marcus and Lucia briefly split – blaming lockdown pressures for their break up.
However, the split was amicable – with no one else involved.
They stayed in touch and remained friends, with pals hoping that they could work on their issues and get back together.
Earlier this year, Rashford confirmed the pair were back together – just eight months after ending their relationship. It was believed they linked up again before Christmas in 2021.
Lucia was spotted getting into the England forward’s car following United’s 1-0 defeat against Wolves on January 3.
She also posted a cryptic picture on Instagram of a tattooed man’s hand resting on her boot.
Rashford and Loi briefly split last year
Rashford and Loi playfully pose in a snap together
Loi enjoys a prosperous career in the PR industry
Both share the same charitable nature.
Famously, Rashford campaigned for free school meals in a bid to end child food poverty during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.
“My mum worked full time, earning the minimum wage, to make sure we always had a good evening meal on the table – but it was not enough,” he wrote in an open letter on Twitter.
“The system was not built for families like mine to succeed, regardless of how hard my mum worked.”
The government duly agreed: “We thank Marcus Rashford for highlighting the challenges facing families,” before announcing a comprehensive support package to help poor families.
The act earned Rashford an MBE.
Lucia is equally as impressive an activist.
Her mum Victoria has become a philanthropist in her later years, too.
Lucia joined her in her endeavours – raising money for Sri Lankans during the Covid-19 crisis for food.
Rashford was lauded for campaigning for free school meals for kids in poverty
Prince William presents Rashford with his MBE in 2021
It would be easy for her to rest on her laurels as a Wag, but she has her own dreams and aspirations.
While he epically came to the fore in the football world, she completed a degree in Advertising and Brand Management at Manchester University in 2020.
She then interned at online fashion giants Pretty Little Thing and Social Chain Agency, and now enjoys a prosperous career in the PR industry.
Happy ever after
2022 has been a year for Marcus and Lucia to savour.
From getting their romance back on track to Rashford’s return to form for club and country – this could be the beginning of their happy ever after.
At least that is what is promised after a break in Tinseltown ended up in the pair getting engaged.
Hollywood promises romantic love stories – and these two have one worthy of the silver screen.
Rashford dropped to one knee and proposed to his beloved when they toured Los Angeles and its hip hangouts in May.
A source told the Sun at the time: “They’re over the moon. Marcus has been planning this for a while and wanted to make it special.
“They went out in LA for a romantic night together on Tuesday and he proposed. It was extremely romantic.
“They celebrated afterwards with a group of close friends — including his Manchester United team-mate Jesse Lingard.”
Lovebirds Rashford and Loi enjoyed a romantic trip to Los Angeles in May
Gentleman Rashford popped the question in Hollywood to put the icing on the cake of their reunion
Pal Jessie Lingard toasted the happy couple in California
Should England be victorious in Qatar, these lovebirds will have even more reason to celebrate.
It would put the icing on the cake of a magical year for them.
