Robert Lewandowski Reveals Key Marcus Rashford Attribute That Will Help Rafinha, Lamine Yamal

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has cautioned that the 2025/26 season will be more demanding for the Catalan giants as they look to build on last year’s trophy-laden success.

Lewandowski, who signed for Barcelona in 2022, has gone on to achieve varied levels of success since leaving Bayern Munich despite the club’s financial woes.

At the club, he has had to be one of the leaders in the dressingroom that consists mostly of young emerging talent coming through, including Lamine Yarmal, one of his forward partners.

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Speaking ahead of Barcelona’s pre-season friendly against Vissel Kobe in Japan, the Polish forward emphasized the need for collective improvement and adaptation.

“This season will be tougher because every team will be looking to beat us,” Lewandowski told reporters. “We must take a step forward in our development and become even better. Football is constantly evolving, so we need to seek new solutions.”

The 35-year-old was instrumental in Barcelona’s campaign last season and insists the focus remains firmly on collective goals over personal milestones.

“The trophies we aim to win are paramount. I can contribute with my performances, but the team’s objective is key. I'm calm; let’s first see what happens this season,” he said when asked about his future.

Lewandowski also reserved praise for Marcus Rashford, Barcelona’s marquee summer signing from Manchester United, highlighting his versatility and experience as a major asset.

The forward fell out of favor with the Red Devils following the appointment of Ruben Amorim last November, and he spent the second half of the 2024/2025 season on loan at Aston Villa, where he scored three league goals.

At Barcelona, he has a chance to redeem himself given the style of play Hansi Flick has imposed which has optimised widemen like Raphinha and Yarmal, and could also help him replicate his 30-goalscoring season under Erik Ten Hag at Man United in 2022/2023/

“Rashford is immensely talented. I remember playing against Manchester United when Marcus was in top form. He can be a valuable asset and has the versatility to play different positions, which is essential given our busy schedule.”

He added a word of encouragement for Lamine Yamal, who turned 18 this summer and is expected to play a more prominent role this season.

“Lamine Yamal is 18 now, so he’s an adult. We interact a lot off the pitch, and I believe he’ll have an even better season than last.”

Asked about Barcelona's captaincy dynamics following last season’s changes, Lewandowski played down any formal discussions.

“We haven’t discussed the captaincy. Everyone in the team can contribute in some way, not just the captains.”

With Hansi Flick entering his second season in charge, the striker believes the team now understands the German’s philosophy better — and must perform accordingly, especially in Europe.

“The Champions League? Many factors come into play there, like injuries. Trophies are on our minds, but it's a long road. We're the team to beat, so we have to perform better on the pitch.”

Barcelona face Vissel Kobe tomorrow in what will be their first official friendly of the pre-season, as preparations intensify for a campaign in which they hope to reclaim both domestic and European supremacy.