Marcus Rashford joins exclusive club with English legend at Barcelona after Champions League debut

Marcus Rashford made his long-awaited debut for FC Barcelona in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League, starting in Matchday 1 against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park. By featuring in the game, the forward has now joined an exclusive group alongside an English legend in the club’s history.

With Lamine Yamal sidelined, head coach Hansi Flick was forced to shuffle his attack. Fermin Lopez played behind Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha shifted to the right wing where Yamal usually operates, and Rashford started on the left — a move that placed the former Manchester United star in rare company.

Unlike Lineker, who played before the Champions League era, Rashford is the first English player to ever feature for Barcelona in Europe’s premier competition, a historic milestone for the 27-year-old forward.

Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona shoots wide past Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schaer of Newcastle United during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Newcastle United FC and FC Barcelona.

With Yamal unavailable, Flick emphasized Rashford’s importance to the squad. “We have Marcus Rashford in our team, and that’s great, because if someone up front can’t play, he can. He showed that in the last game, and I hope he can deliver the same performance in England,” the German coach said on Wednesday.

Harry Kane rewrites UEFA Champions League history with new record: Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar welcome Bayern star to elite list

Rashford has featured in all four of Barcelona’s La Liga games this season, recording one assist but still waiting to open his goalscoring account. That changed in England, where a golden opportunity finally arrived.