Barcelona has made a bold and symbolic move by assigning the iconic No. 10 shirt—once worn by Lionel Messi—to their prodigious young talent, Lamine Yamal. At just 16 years old, Yamal is not only rewriting records on the pitch but now inherits the number most closely associated with Barcelona’s golden era. This decision solidifies his position as one of the most promising figures in the club’s new generation.
The club made the announcement shortly after Yamal’s standout performance at the UEFA Euro 2024, where he broke records as the youngest goalscorer in the tournament’s history. With the new LaLiga season approaching, fans were eagerly waiting to see who would take over the vacant No. 10 shirt—a number untouched since Ansu Fati’s loan to Brighton. Now, it’s Yamal who steps into this historic role.
Why did Barcelona give Yamal the No. 10 jersey?
Choosing who wears the No. 10 jersey at FC Barcelona is never a trivial matter. It’s a number steeped in history, once donned by the likes of Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, and most famously, Messi. When Messi left in 2021, the shirt passed briefly to Ansu Fati, another young talent from La Masia, but Fati’s recurring injuries and subsequent loan created a void in both symbolism and performance.
According to a report from ESPN, Barcelona sees Yamal as a more fitting long-term heir to Messi’s legacy. The club believes his maturity, versatility, and creative flair already demonstrate a rare blend of confidence and intelligence typically associated with the No. 10. His on-field vision and dribbling evoke memories of a young Messi, sparking both nostalgia and excitement among Culés.
While it’s a lot of pressure for a teenager, Yamal seems unfazed. During Euro 2024, he displayed poise beyond his years, often outshining seasoned international players. By handing him the No. 10 shirt, the club isn’t just celebrating his current talent—they’re projecting him as a future cornerstone.
What does this mean for Barcelona’s squad hierarchy?
Yamal’s promotion to the No. 10 is symbolic but also practical. It signals a clear commitment by Hansi Flick, Barcelona’s new head coach, to center the team’s offensive creativity around him. Flick, who replaced Xavi Hernández, is known for nurturing young talents and implementing aggressive attacking systems—perfect for Yamal’s skillset.
This move also reshuffles the leadership dynamic in the squad. While veterans like Robert Lewandowski and Frenkie de Jong still provide stability and experience, Yamal is now a visible beacon of the club’s future. He’ll share attacking responsibilities with Raphinha, Pedri, and Gavi, but the No. 10 jersey gives him a symbolic edge.
Barcelona’s strategy seems clear: continue building around youth from La Masia, trusting their development pathways to recreate long-term success. With financial constraints still limiting big signings, promoting talent like Yamal is both a necessity and a philosophy.
Is Lamine Yamal ready for the weight of the No. 10 legacy?
At just 16, most players are still adjusting to the professional game, but Yamal is already writing his name into the record books. The expectations surrounding the No. 10 jersey are enormous—it comes with the memory of Messi’s magic and a spotlight that never dims.
So far, Yamal has handled pressure with striking composure. His rise has been swift but steady, with consistent performances for both Barcelona and Spain. His confidence isn’t cocky; it’s calculated. Even after the Euro 2024 final loss, where Spain fell to England, he maintained a sense of calm and focus on growth.
What sets Yamal apart isn’t just his technical brilliance—many young talents possess flair. It’s his decision-making, spatial awareness, and ability to rise to the occasion that truly impresses. Wearing the No. 10 will amplify the scrutiny, but it could also unlock a new level of performance and leadership.
For Barcelona fans, the hope is that Yamal can carry the flame lit by Messi. While comparisons are inevitable, the teenager seems determined to forge his own path, embracing the shirt’s history while writing a new chapter.
