Barcelona, July 17 – Barcelona has handed over its most symbolic jersey—No. 10—to teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, marking a historic moment in the club’s modern era. The jersey, long associated with Lionel Messi’s illustrious career, was formally presented to Yamal during a special unveiling ceremony held by the club on Wednesday.
The event also celebrated Yamal’s contract extension, which will keep him at Camp Nou until 2031, reinforcing Barcelona’s long-term faith in the 18-year-old.
Following Messi’s departure in 2021, the No. 10 shirt was briefly worn by Ansu Fati, but injury setbacks prevented him from securing a lasting impact in that role. Earlier this month, Fati joined French club AS Monaco on a season-long loan, clearing the path for Yamal to inherit the number.
“As a child, I dreamed of playing for Barcelona and wearing the No. 10 jersey,” Yamal said during the event. “For every kid born in Barcelona, this number represents a dream. Messi created his path, and now I aim to build mine.”
Yamal’s progress has been remarkable. He has already featured in 106 matches for Barcelona, scoring 25 goals, and has contributed to two La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey, and a Spanish Super Cup. His performances have also earned him a place in Spain’s national team, where he is viewed as a future cornerstone.
With this jersey, Yamal joins an elite list of football icons who previously wore Barcelona’s No. 10—among them Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Romário, and Diego Maradona.
As Barcelona continues its rebuild with a strong focus on youth, Yamal’s promotion to the No. 10 is both a symbolic and strategic move, underscoring the club’s vision for the future.
