After months of swirling rumors and speculation, Marcus Rashford has finally donned the famous garnet and blue of Barcelona — and fans already have a lot to say.
The 27-year-old forward, who joined Barça on loan from Manchester United for the 2025/26 season, made his long-anticipated debut in a pre-season clash against Japanese side Vissel Kobe. Despite the limited minutes on the pitch, a now-viral compilation of his performance has captured the attention of fans around the world.
Rashford’s arrival at Barcelona was made official just days ago, with club president Joan Laporta unveiling him in a press conference full of optimism and excitement. The English star, clearly emotional, spoke about his move as a dream come true. “This is a club where dreams come alive,” Rashford said. “The values, the vision, and the culture here — it all feels right.”
Although Rashford had only a few training sessions under his belt, manager Hansi Flick wasted no time giving him a run-out. Coming on at the start of the second half to replace Raphinha, Rashford had just over 30 minutes to show his worth. And while the chemistry is understandably still developing, there were plenty of bright moments.
Barcelona won the match 3-1, with goals from Eric Garcia, Roony Bardghji, and Pedro Fernandez Sarmiento. But for many fans, the real headline was Rashford’s confident touches, sharp runs, and glimpses of creativity — especially on the left wing, where he seemed most comfortable.
The post-match footage told its own story. A compilation shared widely on social media showed Rashford pressing with urgency, linking up with midfielders, and trying to carve open the opposition defense. There were no goals or assists yet — but the intent was clear.
Reactions poured in from fans online, many praising his movement and determination. “He’s already adding something different to the attack,” one fan wrote. Another added, “He’s raw, but the spark is there. Once he settles, he’ll be dangerous.”
Of course, it wasn’t all smooth. Rashford looked rusty in moments, a natural result of limited preseason minutes and adjusting to Flick’s high-intensity system. His timing was slightly off, and there were a few miscommunications — expected from a player adapting to a new league, a new country, and a new tactical setup.
Still, his debut was a statement. Not in the flashy, highlight-reel sense — but in the subtle promise of what’s to come. A player still finding his rhythm, yet already showing the hunger and potential that made Barcelona bet on him in the first place.
With Barcelona set to face FC Seoul in their next preseason friendly, all eyes will be on Rashford again. Will he start? Will he deliver more than just glimpses this time? Either way, the journey has begun — and it’s one that fans will be watching closely.
The compilation may only be a short montage, but it speaks volumes. Rashford has arrived, and while he’s not yet in full flight, the foundations are being laid. Barcelona’s new No. 11 is just getting started