Barcelona have officially handed the legendary No. 10 shirt to rising star Lamine Yamal ahead of the 2025-26 season, the club confirmed on Wednesday July 16, 2025.
Yamal, who celebrated his 18th birthday some few days ago, inherits the prestigious number from Ansu Fati, who completed a season-long loan move to AS Monaco earlier this month.
The announcement coincided with the winger’s contract renewal, which extends his stay at the club until 2031, featuring a release clause exceeding €1 billion.
The No. 10 jersey holds a rich history, having been worn by Barcelona legends such as Diego Maradona, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and most famously Lionel Messi, who donned the number from 2008 until his departure in 2021.
Ansu Fati took over the number after Messi but struggled with injuries before transferring on loan.
Yamal’s assumption of the shirt signifies the club’s belief in him as the new face of Barcelona’s project, reinforcing their long-term commitment to homegrown talent from La Masia.
Yamal’s rise has been meteoric. Making his debut as a teenager, he has already accumulated over 100 appearances and 25 goals for Barcelona, while also excelling on the international stage by helping Spain win the 2024 European Championships.
His switch to the No. 10, after previously wearing numbers 41, 27, and 19, marks his emergence as a central figure in the team.
At the announcement event with his family, Yamal described the moment as a dream come true and expressed his determination to win trophies while continuing personal growth.
The timing of the announcement was carefully planned, with the club and Yamal deciding to reveal the number change only after his 18th birthday.
This respect for his youth and gradual introduction into the spotlight reflects the maturity and responsibility expected of him.
Barcelona also unveiled a mural honoring Yamal in his hometown of Mataro, symbolizing his importance not only on the pitch but as a figure for the community and fans.
However, the celebrations are tempered by a government investigation into an alleged breach of disability laws linked to Yamal’s 18th birthday party.
Despite this, the club and player remain focused on the footballing future.
As Yamal steps into the legendary No. 10 jersey, the hope is that he will continue to develop into one of Barcelona’s greatest icons and carry forward the club’s legacy of excellence.
