Marcus Rashford took time to send Manchester United starlet JJ Gabriel a message amidst his Barcelona La Liga title celebrations following the club’s win over Real Madrid
07:49, 12 May 2026Updated 08:12, 12 May 2026
Marcus Rashford has sent a message to JJ Gabriel(Image: Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford has told Manchester United academy star JJ Gabriel that he is ‘next up’ after the youngster celebrated his Barcelona title win. Rashford scored an outstanding free kick as the Catalan side secured their La Liga championship with a victory over Real Madrid.
The loanee has enjoyed a rejuvenated season since moving to Camp Nou, having fallen out of favour under Ruben Amorim last term. The 28-year-old has enjoyed an important role under Hansi Flick and recorded 14 goals and 14 assists this term.
And his efforts have drawn the respect of United starlet Gabriel, who sent a simple message to Rashford. “Top,” he posted in the comments of Rashford’s celebratory post on Instagram.
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Gabriel has continued his own meteoric rise. Still just 15, the youngster has already trained with the club’s first team and recorded 27 goal contributions in 26 matches for United’s under-18s as they reached the final of the FA Youth Cup
Rashford, however, will hope he doesn’t get to see Gabriel’s progression up close, even with United planning to include the teenager in their pre-season plans to show him there is a pathway to the first team. The England international will hope to cement a permanent move to Barcelona.
The 28-year-old posted on Instagram: “More than a club, it’s a family! The league champions 2026”. That message was accompanied by images of Barca’s La Liga title parade.
Marcus Rashford helped Barcelona to the La Liga title(Image: Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Rashford has also admitted he wants to remain in Catalonia next. Speaking after the win over Real Madrid, he said: “I don’t know, I’m not a magician.
“If I was, I’d stay, so we’ll see! I came here to win. I want to win as many things as I can and this is one more to add.
“This team is going to win so much in the future, too, so being part of that would be special.”
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It remains to be seen whether Rashford’s wish is granted. Barcelona have the option to sign the attacker for £26million following his loan.
The Spanish giants want to keep the forward but only if they can do a deal that fits in with their financial situation. Rashford’s salary has proven problematic despite his willingness to significantly reduce his compensation.
Barcelona are also said to be open for another loan deal to be completed. Rashford has just a single year remaining on his contract with United.
