While many of us enjoy a long break at this time of year, this festive period is traditionally one of the busiest times of the season for footballers.
With 16 teams playing on Boxing Day and the remaining four playing on December 27, most Premier League stars would have had to rest up on Christmas Day.
However, with 18 of the Premier League’s 20 teams not playing until January 4, New Year’s Eve could be an opportunity for some players to let their guard down.
Meanwhile, most La Liga teams currently have no games until January 11, with Saudi Arabia’s star players also enjoying a long break.
On New Year’s Eve, Marcus Rashford uploaded a photo of himself sitting on a sofa with a framed Manchester United shirt on the wall behind him.
Rashford captioned the image with the words: “Happy New Year.” May 2025 bring you happiness. ”
Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford shared a photo of himself on Instagram on New Year’s Eve
Rashford was not used as a sub as United lost 2-0 to Newcastle on December 30, having been left out of the squad completely for the past four games.
The 27-year-old has been left out of United’s squad for four of the last five games by manager Ruben Amorim, despite being physically fit to play.
He was an unused substitute in United’s 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle on Monday night.
Rashford has spent his entire club career at Old Trafford, but recently admitted he was “ready for a new challenge”.
His New Year’s message received multiple replies from United fans asking him not to leave.
One comment read, “Don’t leave Bruda,” while another fan wrote, “Stay here.”
Liverpool forward Codi Gakpo also posted a positive New Year’s message on Instagram, saying: “With gratitude for the past year, we step forward to welcome 2025.”
Gakpo attached a message along with two photos. One of them showed the tiny hands of her son Samuel Seth, who was born in May. The other image, taken as part of an October interview with GQ magazine, showed Gakpo petting his dog.
Meanwhile, former Barcelona forward Neymar, currently based in Saudi Arabia with Al Hilal, celebrated the end of 2024 with a Brazilian-themed party in Abu Dhabi.
Kodi Gakpo wrote, “With gratitude for the past year, we move forward to welcome 2025.”
Gakpo shared a photo of his hand next to that of his son Samuel Seth, who was born in 2024.
Neymar was joined by his pregnant girlfriend Bruna Biancardi and his son from a previous relationship, enjoying some family time.
Former Brazil captain Neymar documented the celebrations on social media, including sharing a photo of himself and Biancardi with the Abu Dhabi skyline in the background.
But Aston Villa midfielder Ross Barkley had more reason to celebrate than many other footballers, announcing the news that he had become a father for the first time on the final day of 2024.
Barkley shared a photo of herself looking lovingly at her newborn son, Avery, with the caption: “What a great way to end this year.”
The former Everton star’s girlfriend Katherine Pilkington also posted on Instagram on New Year’s Eve.
Ms Pilkington revealed that her and Ms Barclay’s son was born on December 27th.
Next to another adorable baby photo, she wrote: “Avery 27.12.24” I can’t believe I get to keep you as my perfect boy forever. ”
Al Hilal star Neymar (left) spent New Year’s Eve with girlfriend Bruna Biancardi and son
Brazilian Neymar celebrates the new year with friends and family in Abu Dhabi
Part of Neymar’s New Year celebrations also included hosting a Brazilian-themed party in the UAE
Aston Villa midfielder Ross Barkley announced he has become a father on New Year’s Eve
Berkeley and his partner Katherine Pilkington (pictured in November) both expressed their joy
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim will be hoping to start 2025 better than 2024, when his team lost four games in a row.
Amorim shared his New Year’s message via United’s official social media channels.
“On behalf of everyone at Manchester United, I would like to thank you for your loyal support and wish you all the best in the new year,” he wrote in a letter to the club’s fans.
“We know it will take a lot of effort from everyone to get there, but we’re excited to see where we can go together in 2025.”
