Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal has officially taken over the club’s iconic number 10 shirt, previously worn by Lionel Messi. Speaking at an event at the Spotify Camp Nou club store, the 18-year-old said, “Messi made his path, and I will make mine. I’ll give everything to make Barca fans happy.”
After helping Barcelona secure a domestic treble last season, Yamal signed a long-term deal in May that runs until 2031, making him one of the club’s top earners. He expressed his hopes to win the Champions League with Barcelona and the World Cup with Spain.
Yamal, who has been with the club since the age of seven, has already made over 100 appearances and scored 25 goals since his debut in 2023, when he wore the number 41. He later switched to number 27 and then number 19—both previously worn by Messi—before inheriting the number 10 this season.
Reflecting on the shirt’s legacy, Yamal acknowledged the legends who came before him, including Messi, Ronaldinho, and Maradona. “They are legends of football and this club. I’ll try to continue their legacy,” he said.
The youngster also responded to recent controversy surrounding his 18th birthday celebration, which drew criticism from advocacy groups. “When I’m away from the club, I enjoy my life, and that’s all,” he said.
