Barcelona Spring Surprise in Champions League Squad as Rashford Named
Barcelona have confirmed their 23-man squad for this season’s Champions League — with Marcus Rashford among the headline names.
Rashford was the club’s most high-profile summer arrival, joining on a 12-month loan from Manchester United. The deal includes an option for Barça to make the move permanent next summer for around £30 million. The England forward has already featured regularly in La Liga, starting against Levante last weekend, and Hansi Flick has now cleared him to play in Europe.
He is joined in the squad by fellow newcomers Joan Garcia and Roony Bardghji, both of whom will be hoping to make their debuts in continental competition.
Perhaps the biggest surprise is the inclusion of Marc-André ter Stegen, despite the German goalkeeper being sidelined with a long-term injury. His selection leaves the door open for a potential return in the latter group fixtures, which extend into January 2026. In his absence, Garcia has stepped up, starting all three league matches so far this season, with Wojciech Szczesny also available between the posts.
Barcelona’s 23-Man Champions League Squad
Goalkeepers: Marc-André ter Stegen, Joan Garcia, Wojciech Szczesny
Defenders: Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Ronald Araújo, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martin, Alejandro Balde, Andreas Christensen
Midfielders: Marc Casado, Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Marc Bernal, Fermín López
Forwards: Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Marcus Rashford, Ferran Torres, Roony Bardghji
The Road Ahead
Barcelona, aiming for their first Champions League trophy since 2015, face a demanding league-phase schedule. They kick off away at Newcastle United on September 18, before hosting holders Paris Saint-Germain. Matches against Olympiacos, Club Brugge, Chelsea, Eintracht Frankfurt, Slavia Prague, and Copenhagen follow.
Last season, the Catalans reached the semi-finals before being knocked out by Inter Milan, and Flick’s refreshed side will be eager to go one step further this time.
