Winger says Yamal’s footballing ability is “difficult to put into words”; Rashford could join Barcelona this summer
Marcus Rashford has thrown his support behind Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal in this year’s Ballon d’Or race while also opening the door to a possible move to Camp Nou.
Yamal, who turns 18 next month, enjoyed a remarkable 2024-25 campaign for Barcelona, helping the Catalan giants win La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. The teenager contributed 18 goals and 25 assists across all competitions, becoming the most productive under-21 player in Europe’s top five leagues.
No other player born in the 21st century had as many goal involvements as Yamal last season. He also topped several La Liga metrics, finishing first in assists (15), big chances created (28), completed dribbles (161), and through balls (33).
“Just off football ability, I think he [Yamal] has to win,” said Rashford. “But then if you look at Dembele in the Champions League, of course he can win. Depends how you see it. I would not be disappointed if either of them won it.
“It is difficult to put into words because he is not supposed to be doing that at 16, 17 years old. He is playing at the highest level at 16. I do not think we have seen this before.”
Yamal’s main competition for the prestigious Ballon d’Or could come from Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele and Barcelona teammate Raphinha, although Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah cannot be ruled out. But Rashford believes Yamal’s all-round performances put him in pole position.
Rashford’s future is almost certainly away from Manchester United after a recent falling out with new head coach Ruben Amorim. After spending the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, Rashford looks increasingly likely to leave Old Trafford this summer.
Barcelona have previously expressed interest in the player, and Rashford has made no secret of his admiration for the Spanish champions.
Asked whether he would love to play with Yamal, the winger said: “For sure. Everybody in the world wants to play with the best so hopefully we will see.”
