Marcus Rashford Given ‘Biggest Humiliation’ on Barcelona Debut – Fans React Instantly After Vissel Kobe Match as Manager Breaks Silence

Marcus Rashford has finally played his first minutes in a Barcelona shirt. But his debut was not what anyone expected. 

In a strange turn of events, Rashford was subbed on at half-time and then subbed off just 30 minutes later. Many fans around the world saw this as one of the worst moments a footballer can face on the pitch. 

But was it really a humiliation? Or was it part of a bigger plan? 

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has explained the decision, and it might actually be good news for Rashford’s future at the club. 

Rashford, now 27, joined Barcelona on a season-long loan from Manchester United. His time at United had taken a difficult turn. Once a rising star and fan favorite, Rashford was recently training alone, separated from the main squad. 

He had been labeled part of United’s “bomb squad”, a group of players the club was trying to move on. It was a painful chapter for a player who once carried the team on his shoulders. 

Barcelona came calling just in time. They offered him a lifeline, a fresh start, and a chance to shine in Spain. 

The loan deal includes a £26 million option for Barcelona to buy him permanently. Rashford wasted no time joining the team on their preseason tour of Asia. His first game was against Japanese side Vissel Kobe. 

Rashford started on the bench as Flick tested different lineups. At half-time, Flick made a full switch, bringing on new players, including Rashford, who replaced Raphinha. 

He took his usual spot on the left wing and immediately looked energetic. He showed quick feet, clever passes, and smart movement. 

Most notably, Rashford was part of the build-up to Barcelona’s second goal. After defender Jofre Torrents won back the ball on the left side, he passed to Rashford. Rashford then sent a perfectly-timed through ball to Lewandowski. The striker quickly passed it across to Roony Bardghji, who smashed in a beautiful first-time shot. 

It was a textbook team goal. And Rashford was right in the heart of it. 

But just moments after that assist, Flick took Rashford off the field. Alongside him, defender Torrents was also subbed off. 

In came Gerard Martin and 17-year-old Pedro Fernandez. Interestingly, Fernandez later scored Barcelona’s third goal, making the final score 3-1. 

For many fans watching live, the move was confusing and even embarrassing for Rashford. Social media quickly exploded with reactions. 

One fan on X (formerly Twitter) wrote: “Rashford being subbed on in the 46th minute and being subbed off in the 78th… the biggest football insult.”  

Another said: “Hansi Flick saw Marcus Rashford play for 34 minutes and said: ‘That’s enough.’” 

But not all the reactions were negative. One supporter wrote: “Rashford looked sharp, passed well, and nearly had a goal. It’s just preseason, he’s building match fitness.” 

Another fan said: “Relax, it’s a friendly. Flick is rotating the whole team. Rashford actually looked good.” 

Speaking after the match, Hansi Flick cleared up the mystery. 

“Rashford hasn’t played that much, and we also wanted to give Gerard Martin 15 minutes because he was playing after his injury,” the Barca coach said. 

In other words, this wasn’t a punishment. It wasn’t a judgment on Rashford’s performance. It was about managing game time, testing lineups, and avoiding injuries. 

For Flick, preseason is not just about winning games, it’s about preparation, rhythm, and health. 

Just a week ago, Rashford was training alone at Manchester United. He had been cut out of the first team and was using the training ground only after others had left. 

Now, he’s being integrated into one of the most exciting teams in Europe. 

Rashford admitted during his official unveiling that Flick was a huge reason for his move to Spain. 

“He was another key factor for me to join Barca,” Rashford said. “The conversations I had with him were very positive. He led a young team to such a successful season.” 

Flick is known for believing in youth, rotating well, and building close relationships with his players. 

Rashford has already impressed his new teammates. Robert Lewandowski, Barca’s experienced striker, spoke highly of the new signing. 

“Rashford is a very talented player,” Lewandowski said. “We played against him two years ago, and he was in great form. He can help us and is able to play in different positions.” 

Rashford’s ability to play on the left wing, as a central striker, or even behind the striker gives Barcelona more flexibility. 

Barcelona will next play a friendly in South Korea against FC Seoul. The match will be extra emotional for Rashford, as it reunites him with Jesse Lingard, his former Manchester United teammate and close friend. 

Lingard now captains Seoul’s team in the K-League. It’ll be the first time the two face each other since their United days. 

Fans are hoping Rashford gets more minutes, and maybe even a goal.