Rising star Lamine Yamal has officially inherited Barcelona’s legendary number 10 jersey, a famous shirt previously worn by club icons including Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho
Speaking at an event held at the club shop at Spotify Camp Nou on Wednesday, the 18-year-old winger expressed both gratitude and determination.
“Messi made his path and I will make mine,” Yamal stated. “I’ll work hard, give everything, and try to make the Barça fans proud both those in the stadium and watching from home.”
A product of Barça’s famed La Masia academy, Yamal enjoyed a breakout season last year, helping the club clinch a domestic treble. His contributions on the pitch earned him a contract extension in May, tying him to the club until 2031 and making him one of the highest-paid players in the squad.
Having scored 25 goals in over 100 appearances since his debut in 2023, when he was just 15 and wore the number 41 shirt, Yamal’s rise has been meteoric. Last season, he wore number 27 before switching to number 19, the same number Lionel Messi wore early in his career.
Now taking on the revered number 10, Yamal acknowledged the legacy that comes with it: “Messi and Ronaldinho are legends of football and of that of Barcelona. I’m thankful for what they gave Barça, and I’ll try to carry on that legacy.”
Yamal revealed that he has been with Barcelona since the age of seven, and like many La Masia graduates, dreamt of reaching the first team: “Barça is my life. This has always been my dream to wear this jersey.”
The previous holder of the number 10, Ansu Fati, took over from Messi in 2021 but struggled with injuries and recently joined AS Monaco on loan.
Yamal, who recently celebrated his 18th birthday, also addressed recent controversy surrounding his private birthday celebration, which featured performers with dwarfism. The Spanish Ministry of Social Rights has called for an investigation following a complaint by ADEE (Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias).
Responding to the issue, Yamal said, “At the end of the day, I work for Barça and play for Barça, but outside the club, I also live my life and that’s all.”
Looking ahead, Yamal hopes to lift both the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona and the FIFA World Cup with Spain.
“I want to enjoy this season more than the last and make my dreams come true.”
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