Barcelona hand Yamal iconic No 10 jersey

Barcelona’s rising star, Lamine Yamal, has officially inherited the club’s iconic number 10 jersey, once worn by legendary forward Lionel Messi. The 18-year-old winger received the shirt on Wednesday during an event at the Spotify Camp Nou store, marking a symbolic new chapter in his blossoming career.

“Messi made his path and I will make mine,” Yamal said. “I will work as hard as I can, give everything and try to make Barca fans happy — both those in the stadium and at home.”

A product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, Yamal played a crucial role in the club’s domestic treble win last season. In May, he committed his future to the Catalan giants by signing a long-term contract until 2031, becoming one of the club’s top earners.

With 25 goals in over 100 appearances since making his senior debut in 2023 at just 15 years old, Yamal has been hailed as one of the most exciting young talents in world football. After wearing shirt numbers 41 and 27, he previously took on the number 19 jersey — another number once worn by Messi — before now receiving the coveted No. 10.

“Barca is my life. I’ve been here since I was seven,” he said. “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.”

The number 10 jersey carries immense weight at Barcelona, having also been worn by club icons such as Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, and Diego Maradona. Ansu Fati previously inherited the number in 2021 following Messi’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain but struggled with injuries before being loaned to Monaco earlier this month.

“They [Messi, Maradona, Ronaldinho] are three legends of football, three legends of this club,” said Yamal. “I am grateful for what they gave the club and I will try to continue this legacy.”

The teenager also shared his ambitions for the future: “I hope to enjoy myself more than last year and make my dreams come true. I want to win the Champions League with Barca and the World Cup with Spain.”

However, Yamal’s personal life came under public scrutiny after reports emerged that he celebrated his 18th birthday with a private party featuring entertainers with dwarfism. Following a complaint from the Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE), Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights called for a public prosecutor investigation.

Addressing the matter, 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.”