Super-sub: Barcelona forward becomes the most decisive game-changer of 2026

Barcelona continue to benefit from the growing impact of Marcus Rashford, whose influence when coming off the bench is becoming one of the defining stories of the start of 2026. 

The forward, on loan from Manchester United, has reached a major milestone in Barcelona’s 3-1 victory over Elche, scoring his 10th goal of the season.

As such, that strike confirmed Rashford as the most decisive substitute across Europe’s top five leagues so far this year. 

According to the data, the Barcelona forward has now scored three goals after coming on from the bench in 2026, finding the net against Elche, Real Sociedad, and FC Copenhagen.

That record places Rashford level with Nikola Krstovic of Atalanta as the substitute with the most goals in the opening month of the year. 

A suber-sub

Rashford’s impact off the bench has been especially significant for Hansi Flick’s side. 

Half of all the goals scored by Barcelona substitutes in 2026 have come from Rashford alone.

The remaining three have been shared between Dani Olmo, who has scored twice, and Robert Lewandowski. 

On a wider scale, Barcelona are currently the team with the most goals scored by substitutes in 2026, with six in total, level with Bayern Munich. 

It is a clear indication that Flick’s rotation and in-game management are paying off, with players ready to influence matches whenever they are called upon.

A strong season

Beyond his role as an impact substitute, Rashford’s overall numbers are equally impressive. 

In his first months as a Barcelona player, he has already contributed 10 goals and 10 assists across all competitions. 

Now, looking ahead, Rashford could be rewarded with a starting role when Barcelona face Albacete in the Copa del Rey. 

With Raphinha ruled out, it would offer him the chance to build on his outstanding start and further strengthen his case as one of Barcelona’s most reliable attacking weapons in 2026.