Marcus Rashford's girlfriend in tears at World Cup as she reveals secret health battle

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Marcus Rashford's girlfriend, Lucia Loi, has opened up about her battle with endometriosis in an emotional social media post. The 28-year-old was in attendance as Rashford started England's 2-0 World Cup 2026 win against Panama .

The Three Lions have progressed into the knockout stages in North America and Manchester United's Rashford, who grabbed a goal in the opening group clash with Croatia, impressed on the left flank in match number three.

Cheering him on from the stands in New Jersey was his childhood sweetheart Loi, who first started dating Rashford when she was about 15 years old.

This week, Loi uploaded an image to Instagram of herself in bed crying and in the caption, she shed light on her struggles with endometriosis whilst sending support to those who also suffer from the condition.

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Loi captioned her post: "This was me last night. I had my heels on, my makeup done, and I was ready to go and celebrate my friend's birthday. Endometriosis had other ideas.

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"I've been meaning to post about this for so long, but I never really found the courage. Last night, though, I felt so much anger at the fact that so many women go through this while there are so few effective treatment options and the condition remains so under-researched.

"Over time, I have found some things that have helped to an extent and intend to share more of that. I'm sending so much love to anyone living with a women's health condition."

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The NHS describes endometriosis as a chronic medical condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, most commonly on pelvic organs. During a menstrual cycle, this misplaced tissue thickens, breaks down, and bleeds just like regular uterine lining.

However, because it is trapped outside the womb with no way to exit the body, it causes severe internal inflammation, debilitating pelvic pain, painful periods, the formation of scar tissue and potential fertility issues. There is currently no definitive cure and it is estimated to impact one in ten women in the UK.

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Loi's post was flooded with supportive messages, including from a host of fellow wives and girlfriends. Megan Pickford, partner of England shot-stopper Jordan, wrote: "Oh my darling, such an important message." Jack Grealish's other half, Sasha Attwood, commented: "Love you special girl."

The 28-year-old met Rashford when the two attended Ashton-on-Mersey School in Greater Manchester and whilst she was by his side throughout his United and England breakthrough, they split in 2021 , remaining close friends.