Rising football sensation Lamine Yamal is set to wear Barcelona’s prestigious No. 10 jersey starting next season, a number that holds legendary significance at the Catalan club. Previously worn by football icons such as Diego Maradona Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi the No. 10 shirt is a symbol of greatness at Camp Nou.
On turning 18 Yamal became eligible to officially sign the contract extension he had verbally agreed to in May with FC Barcelona. This new deal will keep him at the club until 2031 marking a major milestone in his already promising career. “It’s the club of my life. It’s my home. I’ve been here since I was 7 years old,” Yamal stated proudly during the announcement on Wednesday.
Yamal who wore the No. 19 last season acknowledged the weight of expectations that come with wearing the iconic shirt. “I’ll try to build my own path but all kids would like to be like them,” he said referring to the past No. 10 greats. “All three have been incredible players they’re legends and I’ll try to follow in their footsteps.”
The new No. 10 shirt was handed to Yamal by club president Joan Laporta during a formal ceremony in the presence of his family. The number was last worn by Ansu Fati who has now been loaned to AS Monaco.
Amid the celebration Yamal also addressed a recent controversy surrounding his 18th birthday party where he was accused of hiring individuals with dwarfism as entertainment. He opted not to delve into the issue stating “In the end I work for Barça but when I’m away from the club’s training center I enjoy my life and that’s it. I’m indifferent to both criticism and praise if they don’t come from my family or people close to me.”
Yamal’s maturity both on and off the pitch continues to impress fans and pundits alike as he steps into one of football’s most symbolic roles with determination and confidence.
