Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal has officially inherited the club’s iconic number 10 jersey, once famously worn by Lionel Messi, as he prepares for a new chapter in his already remarkable journey with the Catalan giants.
At a media event held at the Spotify Camp Nou club shop on Wednesday, the 18-year-old winger shared his thoughts on stepping into one of football’s most legendary shirts.
“Messi made his path and I will make mine,” Yamal told reporters, making it clear that while he respects the legacy of his predecessors, he is focused on carving out his own unique story at the club. “I will work as hard as I can, give everything, and try to make those Barca fans who are there happy and those who are at home,” he said with conviction.
Often compared to Messi due to his creativity, flair, and roots in the prestigious La Masia academy, Yamal played a key role in helping Barcelona secure a domestic treble last season. His swift rise through the ranks has captivated fans and pundits alike, with many seeing him as the club’s next generational talent.
In May, Yamal signed a long-term deal keeping him at Barcelona until 2031, a contract that places him among the club’s highest earners—a sign of the trust placed in his ability and potential. Speaking of his ambitions, he expressed hope that the coming season would bring both joy and success. “I hope to enjoy myself more than last year and make my dreams come true,” he said, adding that he dreams of lifting both the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona and the World Cup with Spain.
Having made his debut in 2023 at just 15 years old, Yamal has already notched up over 100 appearances and scored 25 goals. He initially wore the number 41 shirt, before switching to 27, and later to 19—echoing the path of Messi, who wore number 19 between 2005 and 2008. Now, taking the number 10 marks a symbolic and emotional milestone in his career.
“Barca is my life, I’ve been here since I was seven, for all kids from La Masia, their dream is to make it to the first team, and I’m doing it and I have to keep working,” Yamal said, reflecting on his long-standing connection with the club. “When I was little, I dreamed of being at Barca and having this number.”
The number 10 shirt at Barcelona has a storied history. Beyond Messi, it has graced the backs of other football greats including Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho, and Rivaldo. Aware of this rich legacy, Yamal remarked, “(Messi, Maradona, Ronaldinho) are three legends of football, three legends of this club. I am grateful for what they gave the club, and I will try to continue this legacy.”
Ansu Fati was the first to inherit the number 10 shirt after Messi’s departure in 2021, but a string of injuries hindered his progress. Earlier in July, Fati moved to Monaco on loan, creating the opening that has now been filled by Yamal.
However, Yamal’s week hasn’t been without controversy. His 18th birthday celebration, which included performers with dwarfism, sparked public debate and legal scrutiny. Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights has called on prosecutors to investigate the event following a complaint from the Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE). Addressing the incident, Yamal stated, “In the end, I work for Barca, I play for Barca, but when I’m away from (the club) I enjoy my life, and that’s all.”
Despite the headlines, Yamal’s focus remains firmly on the pitch. With maturity beyond his years and a deep-rooted love for the club, he enters the new season carrying not just the weight of a number, but the expectations of millions of supporters looking to him as the future of FC Barcelona.
What you should know
Lamine Yamal joined Barcelona’s youth academy at age seven and made his first-team debut at just 15. Now 18, he becomes the latest star to wear the number 10 jersey—previously worn by football legends including Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, and Maradona—signaling his growing importance to the club’s future.
