Lamine Yamal Takes Over Messi’s Iconic No. 10 Shirt at Barcelona

Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal has officially been handed the iconic number 10 shirt—a number that carries the legacy of football legends like Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, and Diego Maradona. The 18-year-old winger, who emerged from the club’s renowned La Masia academy, shared his thoughts at a press event at the Spotify Camp Nou, emphasizing his commitment to carving out his own legacy.

“Messi made his path and I will make mine,” Yamal stated. “I’ll give everything I have to make Barcelona fans proud—those at the stadium and those watching from home.”

A New Era for the Teen Sensation

Yamal’s promotion to the number 10 shirt comes on the heels of a remarkable season in which he played a key role in helping Barcelona achieve a domestic treble. Having debuted for the senior team in 2023 at just 15 years old, he has since made over 100 appearances and netted 25 goals for the club. Originally wearing the number 41 shirt, Yamal switched to number 27 last season and later adopted number 19—once worn by Messi early in his career—before finally stepping into the famed 10 shirt this summer.

In May 2025, the club solidified its faith in Yamal by signing him to a long-term contract through 2031, reportedly placing him among the highest-paid players in the squad.

“Barça has been my life since I was seven. Every kid in La Masia dreams of playing for the first team, and I’m living that dream,” Yamal reflected.

Looking ahead, he expressed aspirations not only to win the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona but also to lift the FIFA World Cup with the Spanish national team.

Filling Big Shoes with a Unique Identity

The number 10 shirt, steeped in football history, was last worn by Ansu Fati, who took over the role in 2021 following Messi’s departure to PSG. Unfortunately, Fati struggled with injuries and was recently loaned out to AS Monaco. Yamal acknowledged the weight of the shirt’s legacy, referencing past icons.

“Messi, Maradona, Ronaldinho—these are three absolute legends of football and of Barcelona,” he said. “I’m thankful for what they gave to this club. I’ll do everything I can to honor that legacy.”

Despite inevitable comparisons to Messi due to their similar playing positions and shared La Masia background, Yamal has made it clear he wants to be recognized for his own contributions.

Controversy Surrounding Birthday Celebration

Yamal recently made headlines for a different reason after celebrating his 18th birthday with a private party that included entertainers with dwarfism. The celebration sparked backlash from advocacy groups, prompting Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights to refer the incident to prosecutors following a complaint by the Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE).

When asked about the controversy, Yamal responded calmly, stating:

“At the end of the day, I play for Barça, I give my best for Barça, but away from the pitch I also have a personal life—and I enjoy it.”