MARCUS RASHFORD made it a special Catalan Christmas for some lucky kids as he got stuck into Barcelona’s community projects.

The loanee, 28, used his profile to campaign for free school meals for vulnerable children in England during the Covid pandemic.

A group of FC Barcelona fans cheering, some holding up jerseys.Rashford posed for pictures at the foundation centresCredit: X: FCBarcelona A group of children and adults sitting and kneeling, smiling and looking to the right, some holding orange books.Kids were given free copies of his bookCredit: X: FCBarcelona A woman in a magenta top embracing a child in a yellow bib, with another child in an orange bib and several more children in the background.Rashford has used his profile to help vulnerable childrenCredit: X: FCBarcelona

And he’s continued his selfless work since joining over the summer.

The club posted a 14-minute video on Christmas Day showing Rashford’s recent trip to two Barca Foundation centres.

The foundation “supports the most vulnerable children and youth through educational sport projects, contributing to a more inclusive society”.

And Rashford did his bit by handing out free Spanish copies of his motivational book, ‘You Are a Champion: How to Be the Best You Can Be’.

He also posed for pictures with giddy children, handed out food, hugged kids in the playground and even took part in a kickabout.

On his way to the first centre, Rashford explained: “I grew up in this type of environment.

“I always knew from a young age that if I was ever in a position or situation to help [I would], especially people that I see myself in.

“It’s very important. We have to understand as much as we can from them because they are the future of everything. If we can give them the best opportunities, it’s the right thing to do.”

A Barcelona soccer player in a blue and red striped jersey clapping.Rashford has been playing well at BarcelonaCredit: AP

Once there, he told the youngsters: “Helping young people is what I’m passionate about.

“I believe that you guys are the future. One day you will have to look after us when we are old, so we have to give you the platform to be the best you can be. I am happy that I can do something like this.”

He added: “Don’t ever be afraid to express yourself, whether it’s your feelings or your thoughts.

Marcus Rashford visited children from two @fundaciofcb centers 🫶🎄

🔝 @nikefootball pic.twitter.com/2stnqFtKjC

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 25, 2025

“If it’s what you are passionate about, don’t be afraid to show it, and be yourself.”

Rashford, who showed glimpses of his Spanish progress by saying “muy bien” [very good] and “gracias” [thank you] to kids who showed him their work, has found form in Barcelona this season.

Having been frozen out by boss at Old Trafford, the England forward has contributed to nine goals in the league and six more in the Champions League, putting him in a healthy position to feature at next year’s World Cup and seal a permanent switch to the Nou Camp.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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