Marcus Rashford mural lives on in Google Street View

Following the Marcus Rashford mural in Manchester being vandalised in the wake of England’s defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 tournament, people took to the street to offer their support to the player. 

Now, this Black History Month, Google Arts and Culture is honouring this as part of Google’s Black & British Hub

A close-up of the Marcus Rashford mural in Withington, and accompanying artefacts added by the public over the summer of 2021, are available for everyone to view on Google Street View.

In celebration of the work Marcus achieved in relieving child hunger and standing up against racism in football, users will be able to get up close to the messages again and relive the experience of the public support following the Euro 2020 final. 

The project is in collaboration with the Manchester Art Gallery, Central Library’s Archives department, the People’s History Museum, the National Football Museum, the University of Manchester, and the Withington Walls project. 

It also coincides with Tuesday’s England v Hungary game, once again spotlighting the racism the team last endured. 

“Over the past eighteen months, Marcus Rashford has shown the remarkable impact that footballers can have off the field,” said Laura Crossley from the National Football Museum.

“When his mural was vandalised post-Euro 2020, the outpouring of love and support for one of South Manchester’s own was breathtaking.

“It was a testament to Marcus’ passion, courage and determination, a heartfelt thank you for his tireless campaigning on child poverty and free school meals, and a strong message that hate will never win.

“As a football museum based in the heart of Manchester, we’re immensely proud to share Marcus’ story, with our partners at Google Arts and Culture and in our galleries.”

Alongside the new exhibition and addition to Street View, those attending the England vs Hungary game will be able to see relevant questions arise from Google’s ‘The More We Learn, the Closer We Get’ Search campaign.

“I’ve often felt that discrimination stems from a lack of education and a reservation to just ask questions and gain an understanding,” says Marcus Rashford MBE.

“We too often hush up children when their curiosity emerges in uncomfortable settings but much of the time bias can be countered by that ability to get that curiosity off your chest.

“It’s important that we open up these forums for children particularly, so that moving forward differences can be celebrated and championed, as opposed to singled out negatively, and I’m happy to see Google taking the lead on this.”