Lamine Yamal Handed Barcelona’s Iconic No. 10 Jersey

Barcelona, July 17, 2025 — FC Barcelona have ushered in a new era as prodigious winger Lamine Yamal was officially awarded the club’s legendary No. 10 shirt for the 2025/26 season, a number immortalized by the likes of Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho, and Lionel Messi. The landmark announcement was made on July 16 at the Camp Nou, where Yamal also put pen to paper on a contract extension that ties him to the Catalan giants until 2031.

At just 18 years old, Yamal’s rapid ascent has captured the imagination of fans worldwide. Following a breathtaking 2024/25 campaign—where he notched 18 goals and 25 assists across competitions—Yamal proved decisive in helping Barcelona clinch a domestic treble comprising La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. He also played a starring role as Barça advanced to the UEFA Champions League semifinals.

His remarkable performances saw him sweep several individual awards, including the coveted Golden Boy, Kopa Trophy, and Laureus Breakthrough Athlete of the Year. Yamal, who became the youngest starter in La Liga history at 16 years and 38 days, has already set records with the Spanish national team as its youngest double scorer in a single match.

The No. 10 shirt, left vacant following Ansu Fati’s recent loan to AS Monaco—and best known for Messi’s magical decade—is rich in significance at Barcelona. It denotes leadership, creativity, and footballing excellence. Club president Joan Laporta personally presented Yamal with the jersey during a family-attended ceremony, emphasizing the responsibility that comes with the iconic number.

“Messi made his path and I will make mine,” Yamal said at the unveiling. “I will give everything and try to make Barça fans happy. All kids would like to be like them… they’re legends, and I’ll try to follow in their footsteps.”

With this symbolic gesture, Barcelona have made clear their long-term faith in Yamal. Now widely considered the face of the club’s future, Yamal himself is embracing the expectations. He expressed his desire to win a Champions League with Barcelona and a World Cup with Spain, affirming his enduring loyalty to the club he has called home since childhood.

Yamal’s journey from academy prodigy to No. 10 embodies a fresh chapter for Barcelona as they transition from the Messi era. A new generation now has its standard-bearer, with Yamal promising to “make my own history” and inspire teammates and fans alike as he leads the Blaugrana into the coming decade.

Follow us on Tiktok for more football content