Lamine Yamal Embraces Messi’s Legacy as Barcelona’s New No.10
Barcelona’s iconic No.10 jersey, once worn by the legendary Lionel Messi, has a new owner—18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal. The young winger officially inherited the number on Wednesday, a symbolic moment for both the player and the club’s fans.
Speaking at a special unveiling event at the Spotify Camp Nou, Yamal was clear about his mission. “Messi made his path and I will make mine,” he declared. “I will work as hard as I can, give everything, and try to make Barca fans happy—both those in the stadium and those watching at home.”
Yamal’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. The winger, who helped Barcelona to a domestic treble last season, has rapidly become a key figure in the squad. His commitment to the club was further cemented when he signed a new long-term contract in May, keeping him at Barcelona until 2031. The deal reportedly placed him among the highest-paid players at the club—an incredible feat for a player who made his senior debut at just 15 years old in 2023.
“I hope to enjoy myself even more than I did last year and make my dreams come true,” Yamal said. His personal ambitions are clear—win the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona and lift the FIFA World Cup with Spain.
Yamal, a product of the famous La Masia academy, now joins a lineage of legendary No.10s at the Catalan club. From Messi to Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, and Diego Maradona, the shirt carries immense history. But Yamal is determined to forge his own legacy. “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. I have to keep working,” he said.
His journey through the ranks saw him start with the No.41 jersey before moving to No.27, and last season he stepped into Messi’s old No.19—a number worn by the Argentine between 2005 and 2008. Now, with the famous No.10 on his back, Yamal knows expectations will soar.
Ansu Fati was the first player to take over the No.10 shirt after Messi left in 2021. However, Fati struggled with injuries and failed to establish himself as a long-term successor, eventually joining Monaco on loan this summer. Yamal now carries the torch, and the club hopes he can rise where others have faltered.
Yamal’s impact on the pitch has already been significant. With over 100 appearances for Barcelona and 25 goals to his name, the teenager has shown maturity beyond his years. His dribbling, vision, and attacking flair have made him a fan favorite, and his passion for the badge is undeniable.
“Wearing this number is special. When I was little, I dreamed of being at Barca and wearing this number. Now, it’s a reality,” Yamal shared.
Lamine Yamal, our new 10. pic.twitter.com/niY1Q8IAWo
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 17, 2025
However, his rapid rise hasn’t been without controversy. Yamal made headlines after celebrating his 18th birthday with a private event involving hired entertainers with dwarfism—a move that attracted scrutiny. Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights even asked the public prosecutor to investigate the matter following a complaint from the Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE).
Yamal addressed the incident calmly. “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,” he said.
While off-field controversies may stir debate, Yamal’s focus remains firmly on football. As Barcelona prepares for a new season, all eyes will be on the teenage star as he begins his journey wearing the most iconic jersey in club history.
READ NEXT:
