The Guardian Footballer of the Year is an award given to a player who has done something remarkable.
It may be by overcoming adversity, helping others or setting a sporting example by acting with exceptional honesty.
And Marcus Rashford has received the award for his continued actions to counter child poverty in the UK in the lockdown.
The Manchester United forward reflects on an exceptional year in which, inspired by his mother Mel, he claims, he changed the lives of millions of individuals.
The Guardian asks about the influence of his mother, Mel, and in a few short sentences, Rashford lays bare the debt he owes to her.
“She’s everything,” he says. “Every positive characteristic you see in me is her. If I could describe her in three words it would be strong, protective, undefeated.”
