In a moment that sent shockwaves through the football world, FC Barcelona has officially handed their iconic No. 10 jersey to 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal. The announcement, made on July 16, 2025, marks a symbolic passing of the torch to the young winger, who now steps into the colossal legacy of legends like Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, and Ronaldinho. With the weight of history on his shoulders, Yamal’s ascension to the No. 10 shirt signals the dawn of a new era at Camp Nou. And here’s the kicker: the kid’s already outscoring his previous La Liga tally, with fans buzzing that his 18 goals last season are just the beginning.
A Prodigy’s Rise
Lamine Yamal is no stranger to breaking records. Debuting for Barcelona in 2023 at the tender age of 15, he’s already racked up over 100 appearances, scoring 25 goals and providing 34 assists across all competitions. Last season alone, the young star netted 18 goals and delivered 25 assists, playing a pivotal role in Barcelona’s domestic treble—securing La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup—while also guiding the team to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. His trademark “304” celebration, a nod to the postcode of his childhood neighborhood Rocafonda, has become a symbol of his grounded roots amidst his meteoric rise.
Yamal’s journey through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy has been nothing short of extraordinary. Starting with the No. 41 shirt, he transitioned to No. 27 and then No. 19—ironically, the same number Messi wore in his early years—before claiming the No. 10. His new contract, signed until 2031 with a reported €1 billion release clause, underscores Barcelona’s unwavering belief in his potential to redefine their future.
The Weight of the No. 10
The No. 10 shirt at Barcelona is more than just a number—it’s a legacy. Worn by Messi for over a decade, during which he scored 672 goals and won 34 trophies, including 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns, it carries unparalleled prestige. Before Messi, the likes of Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, and Maradona donned the jersey, each leaving an indelible mark on the club’s history. Yet Yamal, with the confidence of youth, remains unfazed. “Messi made his own path, and I’m going to make mine,” he declared. “Messi, Maradona, and Ronaldinho are legends. I’ll try to carry on that legacy in my own way.”
The transition to Yamal comes after Ansu Fati, who inherited the No. 10 post-Messi in 2021, struggled with injuries and consistency, eventually moving to AS Monaco on loan. This cleared the path for Yamal to take center stage, a decision that Barcelona president Joan Laporta marked with a ceremonial presentation, attended by Yamal’s family, including his grandmother, who has been a cornerstone of his journey.
A Bold Statement and Big Ambitions
Yamal’s assignment to the No. 10 isn’t just a nod to his talent—it’s a strategic move by Barcelona to signal their faith in a homegrown star. Social media erupted with excitement, with fans and pundits alike noting the pressure and potential of the moment. One X post captured the sentiment: “This isn’t just a number. This is Messi’s ghost, Ronaldinho’s legacy, and decades of pressure stitched into fabric.” Yet Yamal’s response is clear: he’s here to carve his own path. His goals for the 2025-26 season? Nothing less than the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA World Cup. “I haven’t won those yet. These are my goals now,” he said, referencing Barcelona’s last Champions League triumph in 2014-15, when Messi was still their No. 10.