Football is not just a match between 11 people against 11 people. It is also not limited to games that exhibit the strategy and technique between the two teams.
Football also brightens sides of human life. There is sportsmanship. There is concern and advocacy to uphold justice outside the field.
Because of football, the feelings of the players, coaches and supporters were stirred. Winning will always be accompanied by joy. Conversely, failing and losing always goes with feelings of sadness. Because of football too, people from various backgrounds can unite.
Not only that, football often gives messages of humanity. For example message on George Floyd case which is still trending today. The players from various clubs joined in hand to stop racism in the United States.
This action gives a message if football is not just a sport, but it is also a way of expressing and defending humanity values. The players also have their own way of expressing humanity values.
One of them is the Manchester United (MU) star, Marcus Rashford. He received an honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester, England. This title is inseparable from the campaign run by Rashford.
This MU attacker has advocacy in campaigning about child poverty. In June, Rashford called on the government to restore the decision to provide free food to children during the spring.
With various efforts, Rashford helps poor children. Rashford also did this by giving free food to the poorest families during spring.
Rashford’s achievement is a blessing if football can provide meaning beyond the boundaries of the gridiron. With his background and popularity, surely Rashford could make the campaign more impactful.
In other words, Rashford did not waste his talent, popularity and name. He uses it, not only in the green field, but also outside the field.
Rashford himself grew up in Wythhenshwe, South Manchester. His honorary doctorate from Manchester University placed Rashford as the youngest recipient.
Rashford expressed his pride, not only for himself, but also for his family. What’s more, when he saw that achievement from previous recipients such as Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Bobby Charlton and Vincent Kompany.
Furthermore, Rashford was committed to continue his advocacy. By gaining recognition, an honorary doctorate, Rashford assessed that he was supported by many people.
Meanwhile, his coach at MU, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer also could not hide the pride of his players. He said that Rashford was a very noble person because he cared for others more than himself.
Honorary doctorates are a form of recognition and respect, but can also be an inspiration for others. What is done by players with back number 10 at MU can be an inspiration for many others.
Apart from that, it also tells us that football is not just a match of two teams on the gridiron. Football can be an instrument to express humanity. In fact, with this, soccer can inspire many others to care for others.
Rashford shows the human side, not only on the gridiron. He moved beyond the limits of the field. He cares about poverty. Because of this, he needs to be recognized, emulated, and valued.
