Marcus Rashford’s Partner Lucia Loi Opens Up About Emotional Endometriosis Struggle During World Cup

While England celebrated another successful step forward at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Marcus Rashford’s long-time partner, Lucia Loi, revealed that she has been dealing with a deeply personal health challenge away from the spotlight.

The 28-year-old shared an emotional message on social media, opening up about her ongoing battle with endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting millions of women worldwide. Her heartfelt post came shortly after she watched Rashford represent England in their 2-0 victory over Panama, a result that secured the Three Lions a place in the knockout rounds of the tournament.

Rashford, who had already found the net in England’s opening group-stage match against Croatia, delivered another strong performance on the left wing against Panama. As the Manchester United forward impressed on the field, Loi was among the supporters cheering him on from the stands in New Jersey.

The couple have known each other since their teenage years, having first met while attending school together in Greater Manchester. Their relationship began when they were around 15 years old, and despite experiencing a period apart, they have remained an important part of each other’s lives.

Earlier this week, Loi used Instagram to share a deeply personal photograph showing herself crying while lying in bed. Alongside the image, she described how endometriosis unexpectedly disrupted her plans to attend a close friend’s birthday celebration.

She explained that she had spent time getting ready for the evening, putting on her makeup and dressing up with the intention of enjoying the celebration. However, severe symptoms caused by her condition forced her to stay home instead.

Loi admitted that she had wanted to discuss her experience publicly for quite some time but had struggled to find the confidence to do so. She said the previous evening left her feeling overwhelmed with frustration, not only because of her own pain but also because so many women continue to suffer from the disease while research and treatment options remain limited.

According to her message, she hopes that speaking openly about her experience can help raise awareness of the condition and encourage greater discussion around women’s health. She also revealed that she has discovered a number of strategies that have helped manage her symptoms to some degree and intends to share those experiences in the future with others facing similar challenges.

She concluded her emotional post by sending love and encouragement to everyone living with women’s health conditions, acknowledging that many continue to battle these illnesses quietly every day.

Her honest message quickly attracted widespread support across social media. Many followers praised her for speaking openly about a subject that often receives little public attention.

Several partners of England footballers also left encouraging comments beneath the post. Megan Pickford, wife of England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, described the message as incredibly important and offered her support. Sasha Attwood, the long-time partner of Jack Grealish, also sent a heartfelt message expressing her love and encouragement.

Endometriosis is a long-term medical condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb. The misplaced tissue most commonly develops around organs within the pelvis, although it can sometimes affect other parts of the body.

During each menstrual cycle, this tissue behaves much like the lining inside the uterus by thickening and bleeding. However, because the blood has no natural route to leave the body, it can trigger inflammation, severe pelvic pain, painful menstrual periods, internal scarring, and, in some cases, fertility problems.

Medical experts continue to stress that endometriosis remains significantly underdiagnosed despite affecting a large number of women. Current estimates suggest that approximately one in ten women in the United Kingdom experience the condition, yet there is still no permanent cure. Most treatments focus on managing symptoms rather than eliminating the disease itself.

Loi’s decision to speak publicly has been welcomed by many supporters who believe greater awareness can encourage earlier diagnosis and increased investment in medical research. Women’s health advocates have repeatedly argued that conditions such as endometriosis have historically received insufficient funding and attention compared to other chronic illnesses.

While sharing such a personal experience was undoubtedly difficult, many social media users thanked Loi for helping remove some of the stigma surrounding conversations about reproductive health and chronic pain.

Away from her health battle, Loi continues to support Rashford throughout his football career. The pair first met while studying at Ashton-on-Mersey School in Greater Manchester, long before Rashford became one of England’s most recognisable football stars.

She stood beside him during his rise through Manchester United’s academy and his emergence as an England international. Although the couple separated in 2021, they remained close friends and later rekindled their relationship, maintaining a strong bond throughout the ups and downs of both their personal and professional lives.

As England continue their pursuit of World Cup glory in North America, Rashford remains focused on helping his country progress further in the competition. Off the pitch, however, the attention has also turned toward Loi’s courageous decision to share her health journey publicly.

Her emotional testimony has highlighted not only the daily realities of living with endometriosis but also the importance of greater awareness, improved research, and more effective treatment options for women facing the same condition. By choosing to tell her story, Loi has given a voice to countless others whose struggles often remain unseen, reminding many that chronic illnesses can have a profound impact even when they are invisible to everyone else.