Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s brightest young star, has stepped into the spotlight after being handed the club’s legendary No 10 jersey—once worn by football icons such as Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, and Diego Maradona. Following a phenomenal 2024–25 season, the 17-year-old La Masia product registered 18 goals and 25 assists across all competitions, playing a vital role in helping FC Barcelona secure a domestic treble that included La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España. In the finals against Real Madrid, Yamal made decisive contributions with a goal and an assist in both encounters.
The club officially presented Yamal with the No 10 shirt shortly after his 18th birthday in a ceremony attended by his grandmother. His rise comes as former No 10 Ansu Fati, plagued by injuries and form dips, departs for AS Monaco on loan with an option to buy. Barcelona saw Yamal as the ideal successor and backed their belief with a reported €1 billion release clause in his contract.
Rather than following Lionel Messi’s footsteps, Yamal expressed his desire to forge a unique legacy. “Messi made his own path. I’m going to make mine,” he stated during the unveiling, adding that he aims to bring joy to Barcelona fans both at the stadium and around the world.
Yamal also shared his ambitions for the upcoming season, boldly stating that winning the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA World Cup are his top priorities. These aspirations follow Spain’s recent European Championship victory and Barcelona’s domestic success. Despite the immense pressure that comes with the historic No 10 shirt, Yamal remains grounded and focused, saying he’s honored to continue the legacy of those who came before him.
With 25 goals and 34 assists in just 106 appearances for Barcelona, Yamal’s career is on a sharp upward trajectory. His journey in the famed No 10 shirt is only just beginning, and he is determined to write his own chapter in the club’s storied history.
