Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal has been handed the iconic No. 10 jersey once worn by Lionel Messi and signs a contract extension until 2031. The announcement follows speculation and marks a major milestone in his career, though it comes amid controversy surrounding his birthday celebration.
In a move that signals both faith in youth and continuity of legacy, FC Barcelona has officially awarded the iconic No. 10 shirt to 18-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal. The announcement, made by the club on Wednesday, marks a historic moment for the young winger, who has rapidly emerged as one of the brightest talents in world football.
Yamal, who celebrated his 18th birthday just days ago, inherits the legendary jersey once worn by footballing giants like Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Romário, and Diego Maradona. The number became globally synonymous with Messi during his tenure from 2008 to 2021, during which he became the club’s all-time leading scorer and an international icon.
The No. 10 shirt was previously held by Ansu Fati, who was seen as Messi’s heir apparent but struggled to meet expectations due to recurring injuries and inconsistency. Fati has now moved to AS Monaco on a season-long loan, paving the way for Yamal’s ascension.
The shirt number change was revealed during a private celebration hosted by Barcelona, attended by Yamal and his family. The occasion also commemorated the extension of his contract with the Catalan giants until 2031—a clear signal that the club sees him as the cornerstone of their future.
Barcelona fans had been speculating about the switch after Yamal posted cryptic images on social media featuring past Barça legends donning the No. 10 shirt. These posts, showcasing Maradona, Ronaldinho, and Messi, generated excitement that has now been confirmed in official fashion.
Yamal’s journey through the Barcelona ranks has been nothing short of meteoric. He made his senior debut in the 2022–23 season wearing the No. 41 shirt and later sported No. 27 and No. 19. Ironically, No. 19 was also worn by Messi during the early years of his career before his transition to the No. 10 shirt. The parallels in their trajectories have only added to the weight of expectations around Yamal.
Despite his young age, Yamal has already achieved more than many seasoned professionals. He has made 106 appearances for Barcelona and netted 25 goals. His contributions have helped the club secure two La Liga titles, a Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Supercopa.
On the international stage, Yamal’s talent has shone just as brightly. He played a pivotal role in Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 campaign, helping the team lift the trophy. His composure, creativity, and attacking flair have made him indispensable to the national side, solidifying his reputation as a generational talent.
However, the celebratory atmosphere has been tinged with controversy. The Spanish government has reportedly launched an investigation into alleged violations of disability rights related to Yamal’s birthday celebrations. The probe revolves around claims that individuals with dwarfism were hired as entertainers at his private party—an issue currently under official review. Neither Yamal nor his representatives have publicly responded to the allegations so far.
Still, the club appears to be fully backing its young star. Awarding the No. 10 jersey and securing him on a long-term deal sends a powerful message that Barcelona is ready to build its next great era around Yamal. For a club with a storied history and immense expectations, handing over the most iconic shirt to a teenager is both a bold move and a testament to his remarkable potential.
| Also Read: Divya Deshmukh Stuns World No. 2 Zhu Jiner at FIDE Women’s World Cup |
With the No. 10 now on his back and a fresh contract signed, Lamine Yamal stands on the cusp of greatness. Only time will tell if he can live up to the legacy of the shirt, but if his trajectory so far is any indication, Barcelona fans have every reason to dream.
