Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is set to inherit FC Barcelona’s legendary No. 10 jersey for the 2025/26 season, a number famously worn by Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, and other club greats. The 17-year-old La Masia graduate, already a cornerstone of the Catalan giants’ squad, will take on the iconic shirt as part of a record-breaking contract extension, according to reports from Spanish outlet Memorabilia1899 and other sources.
Yamal, who currently wears the No. 19 jersey—coincidentally the same number Messi sported before taking the No. 10 in 2008—will sign the new deal on his 18th birthday, 13 July 2025. The contract is expected to include a staggering €1 billion (£841 million) release clause, reflecting Barcelona’s determination to secure their prodigy amid interest from Premier League clubs like Manchester City and Liverpool. The move marks a symbolic passing of the torch, with Yamal poised to lead Barcelona into a new era under manager Hansi Flick.
The decision to hand Yamal the No. 10 shirt, currently worn by Ansu Fati, signals the club’s confidence in the winger’s ability to carry Messi’s legacy. Fati, who inherited the number in 2021, has struggled with injuries and inconsistent form, paving the way for Yamal’s ascension. Sources indicate the decision is final, regardless of Fati’s future at the club.
Yamal’s meteoric rise has captivated football fans worldwide. At just 17, he has already won two La Liga titles, contributed 43 goals and assists in 54 matches this season, and earned a Ballon d’Or nomination. His standout performances, including a pivotal goal in a 4-3 El Clasico victory over Real Madrid, have drawn comparisons to a young Messi, though Yamal humbly dismisses them, stating, “I don’t compare myself to anyone, especially not Messi, the best player in history.”
The announcement, expected to coincide with Yamal’s new contract, is likely to boost Barcelona’s commercial prospects, with the teenager’s No. 10 jersey already tipped to be a top seller. For UK fans, the news stirs excitement as Yamal’s performances continue to light up La Liga and the Champions League, with many hoping to see him shine at the Camp Nou next season.