Listening Englih: Funny Sports Picture Becomes Online Hit

Fellaini got hit in the head twice. His team lost the game. But his face was in one of the funniest photos of the year.
A Stinging Defeat

Manchester United lost 2-1 against Spain's Real Madrid team. The two teams were playing in the UEFA Super Cup. Fellaini plays midfield.

At one point, Fellaini banged heads with another player. He had to wear a bandage after that. Then he got hit full in the face with the soccer ball.

Boris Grdanoski of the Associated Press took a picture of Fellaini. He took the picture right after the ball hit.

In the picture, Fellaini's face is folded and crumpled. The picture made many people laugh. Even Fellaini thought it was funny.
Meme Time

The picture was popular online. It turned into a meme. A meme is a picture or saying that is shared by many people. They copy it and make small changes to it.

People started copying the picture of Fellaini's face into other settings. They shared their pictures on Twitter.

One picture showed him being hit by boxer Floyd Mayweather.

One showed a big fan blowing in Fellaini's face. The message below said, "I am a big fan Marouane."

Fellaini thanked everyone for the postings.
Looking on the Bright Side

Fellaini is 29 years old. He is Belgian. He joined Manchester United in 2013.

Until now, he didn't have that many fans.

Fellaini came into the August 8 game at minute 56. Real led 2-0. Fellaini helped set up United's only goal. After that, he almost scored a tying goal.

He played very well during his time in the game. And he scored plenty of laughs.