July 16, (THEWILL) — Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has officially been handed the club’s iconic No. 10 jersey, stepping into the legacy once worn by Argentine legend Lionel Messi.
The Catalan club announced the development on Wednesday via social media, accompanied by a promotional video showcasing the 18-year-old Spanish international.
The No. 10 shirt holds immense significance at Camp Nou, having been donned by some of football’s greatest names.
For Yamal, the promotion marks a symbolic moment in his meteoric rise from La Masia to the senior team—a path strikingly similar to Messi’s.
Yamal made his first-team debut in 2023 at just 15 years old, wearing the No. 41 shirt.
He later switched to No. 27, and last season wore No. 19—the same number Messi sported between 2005 and 2008 during his formative years with the club.
The No. 10 jersey became vacant following Ansu Fati’s recent loan move to AS Monaco.
Fati had inherited the number in 2021 after Messi’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain but struggled to live up to expectations due to recurring injuries.
Yamal’s outstanding performances last season made him a natural successor.
He played a key role in Barcelona’s domestic treble-winning campaign, scoring 25 goals in over 100 appearances.
His creativity, composure, and ability to deliver in big moments have drawn inevitable comparisons to Messi, though the youngster is carving out a unique identity on the pitch.
At Barcelona, the No. 10 jersey is more than a number—it’s a symbol of excellence.
From Diego Maradona to Rivaldo, Ronaldinho to Messi, those who have worn it have left an indelible mark on the club’s history.
Yamal now joins that elite lineage and faces the challenge of adding his own chapter to the storied legacy of Barcelona’s most revered shirt, as he leads the next generation in pursuit of major honours.
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Jude Obafemi, THEWILL
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.