Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has officially inherited the club’s legendary number 10 jersey, previously worn by Lionel Messi, marking a bold new chapter in his meteoric rise at Camp Nou.
Speaking at the Spotify Camp Nou on Wednesday, the 18-year-old winger—already hailed as one of the brightest talents to emerge from La Masia—said he is ready to carve out his own legacy:
“Messi made his path and I will make mine,” Yamal declared. “I will work as hard as I can, give everything and try to make those Barca fans who are there happy and those who are at home.”
A New Era for Barcelona’s Number 10
The number 10 shirt holds legendary status at FC Barcelona, having been worn by Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, and most famously, Lionel Messi. After Messi’s departure in 2021, Ansu Fati inherited the jersey, but a series of injuries hampered his progress. Fati has since gone on loan to AS Monaco.
Now, it’s Yamal’s turn.
“When I was little, I dreamed of being at Barça and having this number,” he said.
Rising Star at Barcelona
Yamal made his first-team debut at just 15 years old in 2023, wearing the number 41. He switched to number 19 last season—following the same jersey path as Messi—and helped Barça clinch a domestic treble. He has already racked up over 100 appearances and 25 goals for the club.
In May 2025, Yamal signed a new long-term deal keeping him at Barça until 2031, making him one of the highest-paid players at the club.
“Barca is my life,” said Yamal. “I’ve been here since I was seven… for all kids from La Masia, their dream is to make it to the first team.”
Ambitions: Champions League and World Cup Glory
The young winger, who also represents Spain at international level, expressed his ambitions clearly:
“I want to win the Champions League with Barcelona and the World Cup with Spain.”
Birthday Controversy
Yamal recently made headlines for an 18th birthday party that featured entertainers with dwarfism, sparking criticism from advocacy groups.
Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights has requested that prosecutors investigate the event following a complaint by the Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE).
When asked about the controversy, Yamal responded:
“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.”
Continuing the Legacy
Yamal closed his statement by honoring those who came before him:
“Messi, Maradona, Ronaldinho—three legends of football, three legends of this club. I am grateful for what they gave the club and I will try to continue this legacy.”
