Marcus Rashford's dream is set to come true thanks to Barcelona's announcement
Marcus Rashford puts his hands on his face
Marcus Rashford is set to achieve a career dream with Barcelona(Image: 2025 Mateo Villalba)
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Marcus Rashford's dream of playing at the Camp Nou is set to become reality after Barcelona confirmed their imminent return to the iconic stadium. The Manchester United star's loan move to the Spanish giants was one the England forward actively pursued last summer, and he's been open about his desire for a permanent transfer to Catalonia.
His time in Spain has been enjoyable despite being unable to feature at the club's legendary home due to a £1.3billion renovation project. Barcelona haven't played at the Camp Nou since 2023, instead hosting fixtures at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium.
However, a homecoming is now on the cards for the Catalan side, who have confirmed they will return to the Camp Nou on Saturday when they host Athletic Bilbao.
The club revealed that a licence has been approved for their return, with more than 45,000 supporters permitted to attend the match. The statement read: "FC Barcelona informs that the match corresponding to matchday 13 of the League, against Athletic Club, scheduled for Saturday, November 22 at 16:15 hours, will finally be played at Spotify Camp Nou.
"This decision comes after obtaining the first occupancy license corresponding to Phase 1B, which allows increasing the capacity up to 45,401 spectators. This authorization includes the entire Lateral area and adds to the license already granted for Phase 1A, which covers the Tribune and South Goal.
"The Club continues working on Phase 1C to guarantee the resumption of activity in the North Goal, gathering all operational, security, and comfort conditions for members and fans."
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Marcus Rashford celebrating for Barcelona
Marcus Rashford is expected to play in the Camp Nou for the first time as a Barcelona player on Saturday
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Playing at Barcelona's iconic stadium was something Rashford confessed he'd long dreamed of achieving, and that ambition became reality earlier this week during an open training session before Saturday's match.
Reflecting on his time at the venue, he said: "It's a very nice feeling. It's a beautiful stadium and when it is full it's going to be unbelievable. Camp Nou was always one of my favourite stadiums and one I wanted to play in. But to play on it for Barcelona is going to be a different feeling. I cannot wait to be on the pitch. I will enjoy it."
The stadium's redevelopment is scheduled for completion in 2027, when its capacity will increase to 105,000, making it the fifth largest stadium globally.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 23: Views of the construction work on the Spotify Camp Nou Stadium on September 23, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo By Javier Borrego/Europa Press via Getty Images)
The Camp Nou's capacity will increase to 105,000 upon the completion of the construction in 2027
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As for Barcelona's plans moving forward this season, the club has submitted a request to UEFA to switch their designated home venue back to the Camp Nou for the remainder of their Champions League fixtures.
Rashford has notched up a team-leading 15 goals and assists across 16 matches in all competitions this campaign, with Barcelona sitting just three points adrift of Real Madrid in La Liga.
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