Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has been handed one of football’s most storied jerseys: the No. 10 shirt, previously worn by club legend Lionel Messi .
At just 18 years old, Yamal enjoyed a stellar breakout season, contributing 18 goals and 25 assists. His performances were pivotal in Barcelona securing a historic domestic treble—La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de España—and reaching the Champions League semi-finals .
In May, Yamal cemented his long-term future at Camp Nou by signing an extension that keeps him at the club until 2031, featuring a reported €1 billion release clause . This commitment culminated in a ceremonial presentation of the No. 10 from club president Joan Laporta, formalizing the shirt’s passing on July 13—his 18th birthday .
The No. 10 jersey carries legendary weight at Barcelona, having been sported by icons including Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho, and Messi himself, who scored a record-breaking 672 goals and won 10 La Liga and 4 Champions League titles wearing it .
Despite the immense legacy, Yamal approaches the role with maturity and humility: “Messi paved the way with the number 10, I will make mine,”
and
“Messi is the best player in history…I liked everything he did all over the pitch” .
Following Lionel Messi’s departure in 2021, the shirt was passed to Ansu Fati, who has since been loaned to AS Monaco, clearing the way for Yamal to step into the role .
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