Rashford Admits Yamal Is The Best Young Player To Have Played With

JAKARTA - Marcus Rashford praised his Barcelona team-mate Lamine Yamal as the most talented player he has played with.

Rashford made his La Liga debut on Sunday, August 17, 2025 WIB, in a 3-0 win over Mallorca.

He came on as a substitute in the 69th minute on Son Moix--before Yamal scored his signature long-range goal in injury time.

Rashford - who joined Barcelona on loan for a season this summer - has played alongside several talented young players at Manchester United and the England National Team.

However, in an interview with Catalan newspaper Sport, he said that Yamal was at a different level from the young players he had played with.

"He's the most talented player at his age to have played with me. I've never played with, or seen anyone who has had a huge impact on football."

"Maybe Ronaldo Nazario. Having such an influence on the field at a young age and consistently being extraordinary."

"He (Yamal) has a long career ahead of him. I hope he maintains his level and even improves his performance," said Rashford.

Just 18 years old last month, Yamal has become a star for Barcelona - winning La Liga and the Copa del Rey for the 2024/2025 season. Together with the Spanish National Team, he became part of the team that won Euro 2024.

He is in eighth place in the 2024 Men's Ballon d'Or rankings. Rashford said Yamal was a strong candidate to win the award.

"Yes (he can win the Ballon d'Or), of course. If he doesn't win it this year, he will win it in the future. (Ousmane) Dembele, Raphinha, they all deserve it."

"It's hard to choose one, but they are all ripe and have a fantastic season. Lamine is still so young that she will definitely win it," said Rashford.

Yamal scored nine goals in 35 appearances in the 2024/2025 La Liga plus five goals in the Champions League as Barcelona advanced to the semifinals.

"He's a great talent, a great player. The most surprising thing is how mature he is for his age, the way he thinks and plays."

"He goes far beyond his age. He likes to play with him, and also with other players. I adapt to changes in the environment, speed."

"The best place to do so is on the pitch. I will make mistakes, but I will also learn a lot and develop."

"The quality of the players is very helpful. As I have said, for me, the easiest place to learn is on the pitch," said Rashford again.

Barcelona will travel to Levante on Sunday, August 24, 2025.