Marcus Rashford on Lamine Yamal – Full Praise and Perspective:
“When I first arrived at Barcelona, one of the things I was genuinely looking forward to was working with Lamine Yamal. You hear a lot about young talents, but what Lamine has shown in such a short time is far beyond hype — it’s reality. He’s the kind of player you rarely come across — not just gifted, but already making a consistent impact at the very top level.”
“At just 17 or 18, he’s playing like someone who’s been doing this for over a decade. It’s not just his pace or skill on the ball — it’s his football intelligence. The way he reads the game, positions himself, draws defenders in just to release at the perfect moment — these are qualities you usually associate with elite players in their prime. And yet, here’s Lamine, doing all of this while still technically a teenager.”
“People often ask me who impressed me the most last season, and I always say Lamine. Honestly, I think he was the standout performer across Europe. What he achieved — both individually and for the team — was nothing short of phenomenal. And he did it all under pressure, with the weight of expectations, with the eyes of the world on him. That takes not just talent, but mental strength.”
“What makes it even more special for me is being able to witness that from close quarters now. Seeing his dedication in training, how hungry he is to improve, how unbothered he is by the spotlight — it’s incredibly motivating. Lamine doesn’t just play football; he expresses himself through it. There’s a freedom and confidence in the way he moves, almost like he’s painting with every touch. You can’t teach that. It’s instinctive.”
“For me as a forward, linking up with someone like him opens up a whole new level of creativity. His vision and passing unlock spaces you didn’t even know were there. We’ve only just started working together, but I can already feel that chemistry building. If we continue pushing each other, I think we could form something truly dangerous — a partnership that defines this new era for Barcelona.”
“Lamine Yamal has all the tools to be a generational player — maybe even one of the greatest of his time if he stays focused. And I feel honored, genuinely, to be part of his journey, to learn from him as much as I hope he can learn from me. Together, I believe we can bring something special to this club and to world football.”