Barcelona's New Number 10, Lamine Yamal Begins His Own Legacy

Lamine Yamal officially takes over Lionel Messi’s legendary number 10 shirt at FC Barcelona, promising to write his own legacy while honoring the club’s history.

In a move that sent waves of emotion across the footballing world, 18-year-old Lamine Yamal has officially inherited the legendary number 10 shirt at FC Barcelona, a number made famous by icons like Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, and Diego Maradona. The number 10 shirt is more than just a jersey in Barcelona. It is a symbol of greatness, responsibility, and the dreams of millions of fans around the world. For Lamine Yamal, it represents both a challenge and an opportunity, one he embraces with open arms and clear vision.

“Messi made his path and I will make mine,” the young winger said during the jersey presentation held at the club shop in Spotify Camp Nou.

It was a moment that sealed Yamal’s position not just as a first-team regular, but as one of the core players around whom the club is building its future.
Born on July 13, 2007, Lamine Yamal joined La Masia, the prestigious Barcelona youth academy, at just seven years old. From a tender age, he was already being hailed as a generational talent. Coaches, scouts, and fans saw in him a spark reminiscent of past legends. He was quick, intelligent on the ball, fearless, and creative—all the hallmarks of a future star. After years of development and dominance in the youth ranks, he made his senior debut in 2023 at just 15 years old, wearing the number 41 jersey. That appearance broke records and drew attention globally. Barcelona fans knew they were witnessing the rise of a new phenom. Yamal continued to impress throughout the following seasons, helping the team win a domestic treble and becoming an essential piece of coach Xavi Hernandez’s tactical puzzle.

“Barça is my life. I’ve been here since I was seven. For every kid in La Masia, the dream is to make it to the first team, and I’m doing it,” Yamal said proudly.

In the 2023/24 season, Lamine Yamal played over 100 matches for the senior team and scored 25 goals, an astonishing tally for a teenager. His dazzling runs, ability to take on defenders, and eye for goal made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opposing teams. Wearing number 27 last season and then switching to number 19, once worn by Messi from 2005 to 2008, Yamal slowly began to walk in the footsteps of Barcelona’s greatest player. But even with the comparisons, Yamal has consistently emphasized that he is forging his own path.

“I hope to enjoy myself more than last year and make my dreams come true,” he said. “I want to win the Champions League with Barcelona and the World Cup with Spain.”

Those ambitions aren’t mere wishful thinking. With a new contract tying him to the club until 2031 and a performance-based salary that puts him among the highest earners at the club, Barcelona clearly sees him as a long-term leader. Taking over the number 10 shirt at Barcelona is no small feat. After Messi’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, the shirt was inherited by Ansu Fati, another promising youngster from La Masia. However, a string of injuries kept Fati from fulfilling his potential at Barcelona, and he has since moved on loan to AS Monaco.
The number 10 remained a topic of debate. Who would be bold enough and capable enough to wear it next? The answer came in 2025: Lamine Yamal.

“When I was little, I dreamed of being at Barça and having this number,” Yamal said with a smile. “It’s a huge responsibility, but I am ready for it.”

For many fans, this moment marks the beginning of a new chapter. Messi’s departure left a void, not just in terms of talent, but emotionally as well. In Yamal, fans see a player who embodies the same joy, creativity, and commitment that made Messi beloved.

Over the decades, Barcelona’s number 10 shirt has been graced by players who transformed the sport. Ronaldinho, whose flair and flamboyance brought joy to millions. Rivaldo, known for his intelligence and technical prowess. Maradona, who gave glimpses of his genius even during a short stint at the club. And of course, Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest player of all time, whose legacy defined an era.
Yamal is fully aware of this history.

“Messi, Maradona, and Ronaldinho, they’re three legends of football and of this club. I’m grateful for what they gave to Barça, and I will try to continue their legacy,” he said respectfully.

But he’s also determined not to be defined solely by those who came before him. Lamine Yamal’s story is one of rising through challenges, staying grounded, and chasing dreams with relentless passion.
Despite his growing stardom, Yamal has already faced some controversy off the pitch. His recent 18th birthday celebration, which involved hiring entertainers with dwarfism, sparked backlash and prompted a formal investigation. Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights asked the public prosecutor to look into the matter after receiving a complaint from the Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE), who called the act discriminatory and offensive.
When asked about the incident, Yamal responded:

“In the end, I work for Barça, I play for Barça. But when I’m away from the club, I enjoy my life, and that’s all.”

While the situation raised questions about celebrity responsibility, many believe it also underscores the pressures young stars face growing up in the public eye. At only 18, Yamal is navigating not just football fame but also personal scrutiny and societal expectations. Wearing the number 10 jersey doesn’t guarantee greatness, but it does offer a powerful platform. Yamal’s focus now turns to the new season ahead. With Barcelona’s eyes set on reclaiming the UEFA Champions League title and regaining dominance in La Liga, the pressure is on.
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However, all signs point to a player who thrives under that pressure. Coaches have praised his work ethic. Teammates admire his humility. And fans adore his boldness on the pitch.
His versatility, being able to play on both wings or behind the striker, gives the team tactical flexibility. His speed and flair bring excitement. And his growing leadership, even at such a young age, promises a bright future.

“I’ll give everything I have. I want to make Barça fans happy, both in the stadium and watching from home,” Yamal said, echoing the emotional connection he feels with supporters.

As the season kicks off, all eyes will be on the young man wearing Barcelona’s number 10. Every goal, every assist, and every moment of brilliance will be analyzed, celebrated, and sometimes critiqued.
But for Lamine Yamal, the journey has only just begun. He is not trying to become the next Messi. He is becoming the first Yamal. With maturity beyond his years, dreams as big as Camp Nou itself, and a deep love for the badge on his chest, Lamine Yamal is ready to take on the world—one match at a time.

By PrimeLineInfo