Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal has officially been handed the club’s No. 10 jersey, a symbolic number historically associated with legends such as Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, and Diego Maradona. The announcement coincided with Yamal’s 18th birthday and his contract extension until 2031, marking a new chapter in the club’s legacy.
The young forward will succeed Ansu Fati, who previously wore the number but has now joined AS Monaco on loan. The decision to entrust the iconic shirt to Yamal signifies Barcelona’s immense faith in his talent and future.
During the jersey presentation ceremony, Yamal was joined by close family and friends. One of the most emotional moments came with the presence of his grandmother, Fatima, who flew from Morocco to witness the occasion. Yamal expressed his gratitude: “My grandmother is very special to me. I owe her so much.”
While comparisons with Messi are inevitable, Yamal remains grounded and focused on forging his own legacy.
“Messi made his own path, and I’m going to make mine. Messi, Maradona, and Ronaldinho are legends. I respect them, and I’ll try to carry on that legacy in my own way,” Yamal stated.
The club has reportedly offered Yamal a lucrative deal, with a base salary of £12.5 million annually, which could rise to £17 million with performance bonuses—an unprecedented figure for a player of his age.
Yamal outlined his ambition to have a long and successful career at FC Barcelona, highlighting goals such as winning the UEFA Champions League and continuing to grow both individually and as part of the team.
“I hope to enjoy a long career here, win many titles, and keep improving every season,” he added.
Having already contributed to Spain’s Euro 2024 victory and Barcelona’s domestic treble, Yamal is poised to become a defining figure in the club’s new era.
As Barcelona fans look forward to the upcoming season, all eyes will be on how Yamal upholds the legacy of the No. 10—while defining it in his own right.