Marcus Rashford compares Lamine Yamal to Brazil icon in Barcelona trophy target

Feargal Brennan

Marcus Rashford compares Lamine Yamal to Brazil icon in Barcelona trophy target image

Marcus Rashford is enjoying his early days as a Barcelona player after making his La Liga debut in the season-opening 3-0 win in Mallorca.

The England international has joined on a season-long loan from Manchester United, with a purchase option of £40m [$54m] on the 27-year-old, if he impresses in Catalonia.

Barcelona secured a last minute green light from La Liga to register him in time for the Mallorca game following weeks of financial manoeuvres by the club ownership to get closer to their 1:1 transfer target.

Rashford started on the bench in Palma, before being introduced for the final 20 minutes, with the hosts already down to nine players following two first-half red cards.

Barcelona were in cruise control at 2-0 as Rashford came on, and it was Lamine Yamal who stole the late headlines, with a spectacular third in added time at the end of the game.

The 18-year-old is amongst the favourites to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or later this year and Rashford has been blown away by the teenager so far.

📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

Rashford makes Ronaldo comparison on Lamine Yamal

"He's a top talent. The most surprising thing is how mature he is for his age. He's way beyond his years, it's exciting to play with him," Rashford told an interview with Diario Sport.

"It's stimulating to be in a dressing room with so many young players. He's the most talented player I've played with for his age.

Ronaldo
(Conmebol)

"I haven't played with or seen anyone with the impact he has on the game at this age. Maybe Ronaldo Nazario, 'The Phenomenon'.

"To have that influence at such a young age, and so consistently, is incredible. He has a long career ahead, I hope he maintains his level and improves."

Rashford also outlined his ambitions for the season, as Barcelona aim to retain their La Liga, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup trophies, plus a run at the UEFA Champions League crown.

"I don't just want to win the Champions League, I want to win everything! Barca had a great season last year. Now it's about forgetting about it, trying to repeat it, and improving."

Next up for Barcelona is a trip to Levante on August 23, but with Robert Lewandowski expected to be fit, Rashford will start on the bench again.

Barcelona news and related links

Feargal Brennan

Feargal is a content producer for The Sporting News. He has been working with TSN since the start of 2022 after stints with Reach, Amazon UK and Squawka in a nomadic career in the football media pyramid. Always with a keen eye on Arteta's 'Reds' and Kenny's Ireland 'Greens' and a 100% five-a-side penalty record.