Barcelona’s next generation took a defining step forward as 18-year-old Lamine Yamal was officially handed the legendary No. 10 jersey one of the most storied shirt numbers in world football.
In a symbolic presentation led by club president Joan Laporta, Yamal received the iconic jersey, stepping into a legacy shaped by some of football’s greatest names. The No. 10 shirt has long been synonymous with brilliance at Barça, previously worn by legendary figures such as Johan Cruyff, Ronaldinho, and most famously, Lionel Messi.
Messi’s reign in the shirt, from 2008 to 2021, redefined football excellence. Across 778 appearances, the Argentine maestro scored 672 goals and registered 303 assists, leading Barcelona to an era of dominance that included four UEFA Champions League titles and ten La Liga championships.
Yamal’s promotion to the No. 10 follows the departure of Ansu Fati, who wore the number in the years following Messi’s exit. Fati recently joined AS Monaco on loan, opening the door for the young winger’s rise.
A product of Barcelona’s revered La Masia academy, Yamal has been touted as one of the most promising talents to emerge in recent years. His elevation to the club’s most symbolic shirt comes days after his birthday and the signing of a long-term contract that reportedly includes a staggering €1 billion release clause—an unmistakable signal of the club’s confidence in his future.
The move has sparked widespread excitement among supporters, many of whom view Yamal as a fitting heir to the number that has come to represent artistry, creativity, and leadership on the pitch.
As Barcelona looks to the future, the decision to entrust Yamal with such a powerful symbol marks the beginning of a new chapter—one that blends legacy with potential, and history with hope.