Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has officially been handed the legendary No. 10 jersey, joining an elite lineage of club legends such as Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, and Diego Maradona. The prestigious number, symbolic of creativity, brilliance, and leadership at Camp Nou, marks the next chapter in the 18-year-old’s meteoric rise.
A Season to Remember
Yamal earned the coveted number following a remarkable 2024–25 season, in which he scored 18 goals and registered 25 assists, playing a pivotal role in Barcelona’s domestic treble triumph—LaLiga, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. The club also made a deep run to the Champions League semi-finals, with Yamal as a key figure throughout.
Having worn the No. 19 shirt last season, Yamal had already committed his long-term future to the Catalan giants by signing a contract extension in May, binding him to the club until 2031.
“Messi Paved the Way, I Will Make Mine”
The No. 10 shirt, once worn by Messi—who won 34 trophies and scored 672 goals for Barcelona—carries immense legacy. Yamal, however, remains unfazed by the pressure:
“Messi paved the way with the number 10, I will make mine,” he said during a special ceremony on Wednesday, where he received the jersey from club president Joan Laporta.
“Every kid dreams of having something from Messi, Ronaldinho, and Maradona… I’ll try to carry on that legacy. First, my dream was to debut for Barça and wear the number 10. I’m grateful to the club.”
A Jersey with a Heavy Legacy
Since Messi’s departure in 2021, the No. 10 shirt was given to Ansu Fati, who showed early promise but struggled with form and injuries. Fati, now 22, will spend the upcoming season on loan at AS Monaco, paving the way for Yamal to inherit the iconic number.
Bigger Dreams Ahead
Already a European champion with Spain, Yamal isn’t short on ambition. “I haven’t won the Champions League and the World Cup,” he stated. “These are my goals now.”
As Barcelona continues its resurgence, Yamal’s promotion to the No. 10 not only reflects his current brilliance but also the club’s belief in him as the next symbol of their footballing identity.
