Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has been handed the club’s revered number 10 jersey, previously worn by the legendary Lionel Messi.
Sharing the news on social media, Barcelona simply wrote: “Our 10,” alongside a video showcasing Yamal.
In a heartfelt statement, the 18-year-old winger said, “It’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid, and I’m very happy. My family and I are thrilled. Barça is my life, my home—I’ve been here since I was seven.”
“I’m really looking forward to playing in front of this crowd at Camp Nou this year. We’ll give the fans a lot of joy,” Yamal added.
Often compared to Messi, who also rose through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, Yamal played a key role in the club’s domestic treble-winning season last year. Since making his debut at just 15 years old in 2023, wearing the number 41 shirt, Yamal has scored 25 goals in over 100 appearances.
Last summer, Yamal followed in Messi’s footsteps by taking the number 19 shirt—previously worn by Messi between 2005 and 2008—before now stepping up to the iconic number 10.
The number 10 was last worn by Ansu Fati, who inherited it in 2021 after Messi’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain. Unfortunately, injuries hampered Fati’s progress, leading to a loan move to Monaco earlier this July.
Barcelona’s number 10 jersey has a storied history, having been worn by football legends such as Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho, and Rivaldo.
