Marcus Rashford’s much-anticipated move to Barcelona has taken another step forward with a jersey number reveal that pays homage to some of the club’s legendary figures. The England forward is expected to wear the No. 14 shirt during his loan spell at the Catalan giants for the 2025–26 season—linking him to a historic, and at times controversial, lineage of past Barça players.
Rashford’s Barcelona Dream Moves Closer to Reality
After a turbulent stretch at Manchester United under manager Rúben Amorim, Rashford was loaned to Aston Villa for the latter half of last season, where he wore the No. 9 shirt. That short stint served as a springboard to his preferred destination—Barcelona. Now, as the 2025–26 campaign approaches, his dream of playing at Camp Nou appears to be materializing.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo was first to report that Rashford will wear the No. 14 shirt during his season-long loan in Spain, a number that has a storied, albeit mixed, history at the club.
From United No. 10 to Barcelona No. 14
Rashford has worn several shirt numbers throughout his Manchester United career, beginning with No. 39 and later No. 19 before eventually earning the iconic No. 10 jersey in 2018. However, following a period of internal exile and the arrival of Matheus Cunha—who quickly claimed the No. 10—Rashford found himself on the outside looking in.
Barcelona, meanwhile, waited for midfielder Pablo Torre to complete his move to Mallorca this summer before assigning the No. 14 shirt to Rashford. The gesture not only clears a path for the England star but also links him to some of the club’s past legends.
A Shirt Worn by Legends and Misfires Alike
The No. 14 jersey at Barcelona carries a unique legacy. Most notably, it was worn by French striker Thierry Henry, who enjoyed success at the club after a storied career at Arsenal. Defensive stalwart Javier Mascherano also wore the number during his gritty tenure at Camp Nou.
However, not every player has shone in the 14 shirt. In recent years, the number has been passed among flair players whose time at the club failed to live up to expectations—Philippe Coutinho, Malcom, Memphis Depay, and João Félix among them.
It’s worth noting that Johan Cruyff, often synonymous with the No. 14 due to his time at Ajax, never wore that number at Barcelona. Instead, he played under the No. 9. It was his son, Jordi Cruyff, who later carried the No. 14 for the Blaugrana.
Can Rashford Redefine the No. 14 Legacy?
While the No. 14 shirt has been worn by both club icons and underwhelming signings, Rashford has a unique opportunity to reshape its narrative. After years at Manchester United, he now faces a fresh challenge in La Liga—one that could revive his career and cement his name in Barcelona folklore.
All eyes will be on Rashford when the new season kicks off, as fans wonder whether the England forward can deliver where others have faltered.
