Lucia Loi, the partner of England and Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, has bravely opened up about her struggle with endometriosis in a candid social media post. The 28-year-old was in tears as she revealed the chronic condition, which affects one in ten women in the UK, according to the NHS.
Loi was in attendance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey to watch Rashford start for England in their 2-0 victory over Panama, a result that secured the Three Lions' progression to the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup in North America. Rashford, who scored in England's opening group match against Croatia, impressed once again on the left flank.
Emotional Instagram Post
Earlier this week, Loi uploaded an image to Instagram showing herself crying in bed. In the caption, she described her frustration with the lack of effective treatment options and research into endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb, causing severe pain and inflammation.
Loi wrote: "This was me last night. I had my heels on, my makeup done, and I was ready to go and celebrate my friend's birthday. Endometriosis had other ideas. I've been meaning to post about this for so long, but I never really found 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 added: "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."
Support from WAGs Community
Loi's post was flooded with supportive messages from fellow wives and girlfriends of England players. Megan Pickford, partner of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, wrote: "Oh my darling, such an important message." Sasha Attwood, girlfriend of Jack Grealish, commented: "Love you special girl."
Loi and Rashford first met as teenagers at Ashton-on-Mersey School in Greater Manchester. Their relationship has had its ups and downs, including a split in 2021, a reconciliation and engagement in 2022, a cancelled wedding and another separation in 2023. However, after Rashford's loan move to Barcelona, the couple revived their relationship and Loi is now supporting him at the World Cup.
Endometriosis: A Chronic Condition
According to the NHS, endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb, commonly on pelvic organs. During menstruation, this tissue thickens and bleeds but cannot exit the body, leading to severe internal inflammation, debilitating pelvic pain, painful periods, scar tissue, and potential fertility issues. There is currently no cure, and it affects approximately one in ten women in the UK.
England's World Cup Progress
England's 2-0 win over Panama confirmed their place in the knockout stages, with Rashford playing a key role. The Three Lions are now looking to bring football home for the first time since 1966. Loi's bravery in sharing her health battle has highlighted the struggles many women face with endometriosis, bringing much-needed attention to the condition.
