Marcus Rashford marked a significant milestone in his career on Sunday, July 27, 2025, when he made his first appearance for Barcelona in a 3-1 pre-season friendly victory against Japanese side Vissel Kobe. The 27-year-old England forward, who joined the Spanish giants on a season-long loan from Manchester United, stepped onto the pitch at half-time wearing the iconic No. 14 jersey, a number previously donned by legends such as Johan Cruyff and Thierry Henry. Rashford’s debut not only symbolized a fresh chapter for his career but also made him the first English player to feature for Barcelona’s first team in a competitive or friendly match since Gary Lineker in the 1980s.
The match itself was a rollercoaster of events. Barcelona initially faced uncertainty when the game was called off earlier in the week due to "serious contractual breaches" by the promoter. However, the issues were resolved, and the friendly went ahead as planned. The Catalan club opened the scoring in the 33rd minute through defender Eric Garcia, who netted his first goal for Barcelona, giving the visitors an early lead. Just before half-time, Vissel Kobe’s Taisei Miyashiro equalized, setting the stage for a competitive second half.
Rashford entered the fray at the break, replacing Raphinha and positioning himself on the left flank. Despite having been sidelined and training separately during Manchester United’s pre-season, where he was part of the so-called 'bomb squad,' Rashford looked sharp and eager to impress. His presence was immediately felt as he played a sublime through ball to Robert Lewandowski, who then assisted Roony Bardghji in scoring the go-ahead goal in the 77th minute. Bardghji, a promising Swedish forward signed this summer from Copenhagen, showcased his talent with a smart left-footed finish to put Barcelona ahead once again.
However, Rashford’s debut cameo was brief; he was substituted in the 78th minute, replaced by 17-year-old prospect Pedro Fernandez. Fernandez later sealed the victory with a goal in the 87th minute, highlighting the impressive impact of Barcelona’s younger talents alongside their new signing. The reason for Rashford’s relatively early withdrawal has not been officially disclosed, with Barcelona coach Hansi Flick expected to address this in an upcoming press conference.
The match broadcast faced technical difficulties, as thousands of fans were unable to watch Rashford's debut live. Barcelona issued a statement apologizing for the disruption caused by a large-scale attack on their streaming platforms, which forced them to shift the live feed to their YouTube channel to ensure fans could follow the game. Despite the hiccup, the victory marked a positive start to Barcelona’s pre-season preparations.
Rashford’s move to Barcelona is a loan deal from Manchester United, with the Spanish club paying approximately 75% of his reported £325,000-a-week wages, while the player has foregone the remainder. The loan includes an option to make the transfer permanent next summer for £30.3 million. This move comes after Rashford found himself out of favour at United under coach Ruben Amorim and spent the latter part of the 2024/25 season on loan at Aston Villa.
Upon signing, Rashford expressed his excitement and joy at joining Barcelona, describing the club as a place where "people's dreams come true" and emphasizing the familial atmosphere that influenced his decision. "What the club stands for means a lot to me as well and it feels like I'm at home," he said. Rashford also highlighted his admiration for Barcelona’s style of play, stating, "I try to make decisive actions and fast dynamic plays and I always like good football so I've always been a fan of watching Barcelona from a young age. It's going to be a joy for me to play here and I'm going to enjoy every minute of it."
Barcelona’s coach Hansi Flick has been integrating Rashford carefully into the squad, with the player expected to feature in upcoming pre-season fixtures in South Korea and back in Spain against Como. The team is gearing up to defend their LaLiga title, with the domestic campaign kicking off on August 16 against Mallorca.
Barcelona teammate and veteran striker Robert Lewandowski praised Rashford’s versatility and talent following his debut. Speaking to Catalunya Radio, Lewandowski said, "Marcus has great talent. He showed it a few years ago when he played against us in the Europa League. He is also a player who can play in several positions. There will be many games during the season, so it will be very good for us to have players who can help us. Rashford’s arrival is good for the team." This endorsement from a seasoned professional underscores the high expectations surrounding Rashford’s contribution to the squad.
Rashford’s debut was also notable for the historical context it carries. He follows in the footsteps of Gary Lineker, the last Englishman to represent Barcelona’s first team in the 1980s, and carries the mantle of the No. 14 shirt, a number synonymous with club legends. His arrival is seen as a statement of intent by Barcelona, blending experienced international talent with emerging youth prospects like Bardghji and Fernandez, who both impressed during the match.
Looking ahead, Rashford and Barcelona will face FC Seoul on July 31 at the 66,000-seater Seoul World Cup Stadium, where Rashford may reunite with former Manchester United teammate Jesse Lingard. This fixture offers another opportunity for Rashford to build chemistry with his new teammates and further stake his claim in Barcelona’s evolving squad.
In summary, Marcus Rashford’s Barcelona debut was a moment filled with promise, historical significance, and glimpses of the exciting potential he brings to the club. Though his first outing was brief, his sharp playmaking and link-up with key players like Lewandowski and Bardghji bode well for the season ahead. Barcelona’s blend of seasoned stars and youthful exuberance, combined with the strategic acquisition of Rashford, positions them strongly as they prepare to defend their LaLiga crown and compete across multiple fronts in the 2025/26 season.
