Marcus Rashford’s move to FC Barcelona has not only given the English forward a fresh start on the pitch, but also a curious new moniker in the dressing room.

In an interview with Diario SPORT, Rashford revealed that his Barça teammates have begun affectionately calling him “chuche” – a term that left him baffled at first. “When they have fun with each other, they call me ‘sweetie’ (‘chuche’). I don’t know what it means, but it’s funny that they talk to you like that,” Rashford admitted. The nickname, loosely meaning “sweetie” or “candy,” quickly sparked discussion among supporters and outlets alike, highlighting Rashford’s early integration into the Barcelona squad.

Shortly after arriving on a season-long loan from Manchester United, the 27-year-old found himself the subject of this lighthearted joke. International outlets described it as an unusual nickname that left Rashford slightly confused, yet amused. Spanish media, by contrast, framed it as a sign that the England international has earned the locker room’s affection in just a few weeks with the team.

A nickname with cultural bite

In Spanish, “chuche” (pronounced CHOO-chay) is a colloquial term for “chuchería,” which translates to “sweet” or “candy.” It’s an abbreviation of chuchería, a word often used to describe gummies, chocolates, and other confections beloved by children. Culturally, chuches (usually plural) evoke images of colorful candies, the kind of small treats one might get as a kid.

Calling a person a “chuche” is uncommon. Unlike some Spanish nicknames that might directly describe a person’s appearance or traits, chuche isn’t a typical moniker for an adult. This makes it a playful, almost silly term of endearment in Rashford’s case. The closest English equivalent would be calling someone “sweetie” or “cutie,” though with a more childlike, candy-themed twist. It’s likely the Barcelona players chose this word to tease Rashford in a friendly way, essentially joking that he’s as sweet as candy.

Rashford has taken the newfound nickname in stride. His reaction, as he described, was one of amusement. “It’s funny when they say it to you,” he told SPORT, still slightly perplexed but clearly not offended. Rather than being concerned about a strange new label, he’s laughing along with his teammates, a clear sign that he already feels part of the group.

Spanish media quickly picked up on Rashford’s confession, and their tone was largely positive and amused. Diario SPORT, which conducted the original interview, shared the tidbit with a wink: “Rashford ya ha aprendido lo que es ser ‘chuche’ en el vestuario del Barça” – “Rashford has now learned what it is to be a ‘chuche’ in Barça’s locker room.”

Beyond , international sports media seized on Rashford’s new nickname with bemusement. In the UK, outlets portrayed the story as an oddball piece of news, a light reprieve from the usual transfer rumors and match analyses. Headlines emphasized how unusual it was to see a player like Rashford called “sweetie.” On social media, fans leaned into the humor.

Giving nicknames to players is nothing new at FC Barcelona. Lionel Messi was famously known as “La Pulga” (The Flea). Ousmane Dembélé was dubbed “El Mosquito” for his buzzing speed and energy. was “Tarzan” for his hair and fearless defending. These sobriquets often highlight traits or add a layer of affection among teammates. Rashford’s “chuche” fits into this tradition – quirky, affectionate, and a signal that he’s part of the camaraderie.