Barcelona’s rising star, Lamine Yamal, has been handed the club’s legendary number 10 shirt, famously worn by Lionel Messi, further cementing his place as one of the most promising talents at the Catalan side.
Speaking at an event at the Spotify Camp Nou on Wednesday, Yamal said, “Messi made his path and I will make mine. I will work as hard as I can, give everything and try to make those Barca fans who are there happy and those who are at home.”
The 18-year-old winger, a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, played a key role in the club’s domestic treble last season. In May, he signed a new contract with the club until 2031, becoming one of its highest-paid players.
“I hope to enjoy myself more than last year and make my dreams come true,” said Yamal, who has ambitions of winning both the Champions League with Barcelona and the World Cup with Spain.
Yamal made his first-team debut at just 15 years old in 2023, initially wearing the number 41 shirt. After donning number 27 last season, he switched to number 19—the same number Messi wore between 2005 and 2008—before now stepping into the number 10 jersey.
“Barca is my life, I’ve been here since I was seven. For all kids from La Masia, their dream is to make it to the first team, and I’m doing it. I have to keep working,” he said. “When I was little I dreamed of being at Barca and having this number.”
Yamal has already scored 25 goals in over 100 appearances for the club.
The number 10 jersey has a rich history at Barcelona. Apart from Messi, it has been worn by icons like Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho, and Rivaldo. Ansu Fati took over the number after Messi’s departure in 2021 but struggled with injuries before going on loan to Monaco this summer.
“Messi, Maradona, Ronaldinho—they are three legends of football, three legends of this club,” Yamal said. “I am grateful for what they gave the club and I will try to continue this legacy.”
Meanwhile, Yamal’s 18th birthday celebrations recently drew controversy. A private party featuring entertainers with dwarfism has prompted an investigation by Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights following a complaint by a disability rights association.
Reacting to the probe, Yamal said, “In the end I work for Barca, I play for Barca, but when I’m away from the club, I enjoy my life, and that’s all.”
