Soccer Aid 2023 went about as expected; loads of goals, plenty of laughs, and stars galore all around. Among the high-profile participants, this year, was legendary sprinter Usain Bolt, whose performance on the day attracted plenty of fanfare. In fact, the Jamaican was even compared to Manchester United star Marcus Rashford on account of his celebrations after scoring a goal.
Organized in collaboration with UNICEF, Soccer Aid has been the sport’s premier charity event since its inception in 2006. Held annually, the matches have repeatedly featured some of the UK’s biggest celebrities alongside some of the greatest players in soccer history. This year’s rendition was no different, as it involved the likes of Liam Payne, Tommy Fury, Stormzy, and even Hollystar star Tom Hiddleston.
A special message from Tom Hiddleston 🏴💙👏@twhiddleston || @UNICEF_uk || #SoccerAid pic.twitter.com/5ZuJHUkKyC
— Soccer Aid (@socceraid) June 12, 2023
Hiddleston, along with his British compatriots, played for the England XI, and they were opposed by a star-studded World XI side. The Loki star was up against soccer legends including the likes of Francesco Totti, Hernan Crespo, Nani, and Roberto Carlos. As mentioned before, Olympian Usain Bolt was also a member of the World XI, he even donned the captain’s armband for the game.
The 36-year-old’s display became one of the most talked-about topics of the game, with his team picking up a 4-2 victory. Bolt opened up the scoring after finding himself in acres of space behind the opposition’s defense. The Jamaican calmly jogged his way into the opposition box, before cooly slotting the ball past former England International David James.
Gooaaaallll @socceraid pic.twitter.com/KlAEilrkw7
— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) June 11, 2023
Despite James’ lofty credentials, Bolt made the finish look far too easy. And he made the moment even colder by borrowing Marcus Rashford’s signature celebration. The legendary sprinter made his way toward the corner flag, before placing his index finger on the side of his head.
The celebration is synonymous with Rashford, who debuted it midway through the 22/23 season. Its popularity has since skyrocketed, as evidenced by Bolt trying it out for himself.
Marcus Rashford reacts to Usain Bolt copying his celebration
Marcus Rashford was seemingly happy to see Usain Bolt take his celebration for a spin, as he reacted to the moment through his Twitter account. The 25-year-old reacted by adding a label to crossover; “Rash x Bolt”
Fans online also chimed in with their opinions, with some even suggesting that Rashford’s spot in the United lineup is in jeopardy.
Rashford’s job in jeopardy😂
— Pablo (@PreeDat21) June 11, 2023
Aside from this, a majority of fans appeared to take issue with Rashford’s tweet, stating that the forward was doing it for PR.
“He just gets it manc born and bred”
Read the room and get off twitter you mad PR hungry twat https://t.co/G8khajA9ZO pic.twitter.com/9BhYIdzftc— Mike Walker (@mikew_____) June 11, 2023
Claiming celebrations while his city rivals dilute his clubs legacy, He’s a Manc too lmao, if anyone was suppose to ‘get it’ it was suppose to be him, I would be off socials unless is for a good cause, mans here for a PR flex 💀 https://t.co/tEWUeuUyKr
— Tosh Munro (@MunroTosh) June 12, 2023
Claiming celebrations while his city rivals dilute his clubs legacy, He’s a Manc too lmao, if anyone was suppose to ‘get it’ it was suppose to be him, I would be off socials unless is for a good cause, mans here for a PR flex 💀 https://t.co/tEWUeuUyKr
— Tosh Munro (@MunroTosh) June 12, 2023
Ok Marcus https://t.co/oYBc6g04NP pic.twitter.com/Zwk9mOw5KQ
— Jacob (@Jsize18) June 11, 2023
People say rashford has a amazing pr team but imo its actually proper shite and always has been. Any half decent pr team will know to avoid these stupid posts a day after your rivals win a treble
Honestly I think I can do a better job https://t.co/oo8KsqxuUy
— Zu 🇲🇾 (@ZuzuMUFC) June 11, 2023
The PR angle might be an unlikely possibility, as the England international has sent similar messages to numerous players who have borrowed his celebration.