Lamine Yamal has been handed the iconic No. 10 shirt at FC Barcelona, marking a symbolic next chapter in his meteoric rise.
The announcement came just after the teenager’s 18th birthday and amid a contract extension that ties him to the club until 2031. Yamal now steps into a jersey once worn by legends like Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, and of course, Lionel Messi – the club’s record scorer and most decorated icon.
A Dream Realised
“Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of debuting for Barça and wearing the No. 10,” Yamal said during the club’s official unveiling. “Messi made his path. Now it’s my turn to make mine.”
It’s a poignant moment for both player and club. Yamal, who debuted in the 2022–23 season, has rapidly established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting prospects. He’s gone from No. 41 to 27, then 19 – the number Messi wore early in his Barca days – and now takes the final step into the shirt that carries more weight than any other at the Camp Nou.
Filling Big Shoes
The No. 10 shirt was last worn by Ansu Fati, another prodigy once viewed as Messi’s heir, now loaned to AS Monaco. By giving Yamal the number, Barcelona are sending a message: the future is here, and they trust him to carry it.
Already a mainstay for club and country, Yamal boasts 106 senior appearances and 25 goals for Barcelona, alongside a growing role in the Spanish national team. He played a key part in Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 triumph and has already collected a La Liga title, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa in his young career.
A Legacy in the Making
Despite the buzz, the teenager remains grounded. Asked about the controversy surrounding his recent birthday party – reportedly involving hired performers with dwarfism – Yamal declined to comment, but addressed the surrounding noise: “I don’t let criticism or praise affect me if it doesn’t come from my family or friends. I’m just focused on football.”
And his goals? They’re clear: “I haven’t won the Champions League or the World Cup. That’s what I want now.”
Lamine Yamal’s journey is only just beginning. But with the No. 10 on his back and the world at his feet, he’s no longer just the future of Barcelona – he’s their present.