Lucia Loi, the girlfriend of England and Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, has shared her struggle with endometriosis in an emotional Instagram post — the same week she watched her partner help steer England into the World Cup knockout stages.
The 28-year-old posted an image of herself crying in bed, taken on the night before she was due to celebrate a friend's birthday. "This was me last night," she wrote. "I had my heels on, my makeup done, and I was ready to go and celebrate my friend's birthday. Endometriosis had other ideas."
“England star Marcus Rashford's girlfriend Lucia Loi reveals endometriosis battle in emotional post during World Cup.”
Loi, who has been with Rashford since she was about 15, attended England's 2-0 victory over Panama in New Jersey — a result that secured top spot in Group L for the Three Lions. Rashford started the match on the left flank, having scored in the opening group game against Croatia.
In her post, Loi said she had long wanted to speak about her condition but lacked 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," she wrote. "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."
The NHS describes endometriosis as a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it, most commonly on pelvic organs. During menstruation, this misplaced tissue thickens and bleeds but cannot leave the body, causing severe inflammation, pelvic pain, painful periods, scar tissue and potential fertility problems. There is no definitive cure, and it is estimated to affect one in ten women in the UK.
Loi's post was flooded with supportive messages, including from other England players' partners. Megan Pickford, wife of goalkeeper Jordan, wrote: "Oh my darling, such an important message." Jack Grealish's partner, Sasha Attwood, added: "Love you special girl."
As England prepare for the last 32, Loi's public revelation highlights a condition that, despite affecting millions, remains poorly understood — and one she is determined to discuss.