New Barcelona signing Marcus Rashford once called a Real Madrid icon the best he’s ever played against ahead of Nou Camp legend Lionel Messi.
Marcus Rashford signs for Barcelona from Man Utd
The forward has officially competed a season-long loan move to the Nou Camp from Manchester United, with Barca also having the option to buy Rashford in 2026 for an initial £26m next summer.
Rashford becomes the first Englishman to sign for Barcelona since Gary Lineker, who did so back in 1986. Taking the number 14 shirt number with the Catalan giants, Rashford has been quick to praise current Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, calling the Ballon d’or contender “one of the leading players in the world”.
“He is a very special talent, and for me, I feel definitely last season, he is one of the leading players in the world, if not the best. Everyone wants to play with the best, and there is a lot of talent in this squad. I am happy and eager to play with them on the pitch. Maybe I can help them, and for sure, they can help me. It is going to be exciting.”
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Rashford will also come up against England teammates Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham in the El Clasico in 2025/26, with Barca looking to retain their La Liga title under Hansi Flick.
|
Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd stats |
|
|---|---|
|
Games |
426 |
|
Goals |
138 |
|
Assists |
77 |
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Red cards |
2 |
|
Trophies |
6 |
Rashford calls Cristiano Ronaldo best he’s played against
Back in 2017 when talking to ESPN, relayed by Football 365, Rashford was asked for the best player he has played with or against.
Still just two years into his professional career, the attacker said Cristiano Ronaldo was the best he had came up against during his time at the Bernabeu. However, he also name-checked former Red Devils teammate Wayne Rooney, Barcelona legend Lionel Messi and Brazilian star Neymar.
“Ronaldo in the Super Cup (2017) – he was only on for 20 minutes or so but if you look at his movement and how he’s changed to what he is now, it’s amazing how he still continues like he does.
“Ronaldo, Messi, Rooney, Neymar – everyone knows good football when they see it and that’s what I like to watch as well. You try to take things from them, especially when you’re young, until you find your own identity. You try to emulate those players a lot and they’re the things that make you into the player you are. It’s hard to name a specific aspect but you can take things like mentality.”
Former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Brazil striker Ronaldo also got a mention from Rashford, highlighting his World Cup displays.
“Brazilian Ronaldo has had the biggest World Cup performances, I’d say. And his were among the most enjoyable to watch. There were a lot of top players who performed in the World Cup and went to another level.”
