Barcelona have confirmed that Lamine Yamal will wear the club’s iconic No.10 shirt from next season, succeeding Lionel Messi and Ansu Fati in the legendary jersey.
The announcement was made on Wednesday during a club event celebrating Yamal’s new long-term contract, which runs until 2031. The ceremony was attended by Yamal and his family, just days after the teenager celebrated his 18th birthday on Sunday.
Yamal takes over the number from Fati, who had inherited it following Messi’s departure in 2021 but has since struggled with injuries and was recently loaned to AS Monaco for the 2024–25 season.
The No.10 shirt holds deep significance at Barcelona. Messi wore it from 2008 until his departure to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, cementing his place in club history with 10 LaLiga titles, four Champions Leagues, and a record 672 goals for the club. Prior to Messi, it was worn by the likes of Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Romário, and Diego Maradona.
Yamal has emerged as a star for both club and country over the past two seasons. He has already made 106 appearances for Barça, scoring 25 goals, and has won two LaLiga titles, a Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Supercopa. He was also part of the Spain squad that lifted the European Championship this summer.
This will be the fourth different number Yamal has worn at Barcelona, having started with No.41 on his debut in the 2022–23 campaign, followed by No.27 and then No.19 last season – the same number Messi wore before taking on the No.10.
The announcement comes amid scrutiny over Yamal’s 18th birthday celebrations. Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights has launched an investigation into alleged breaches of disability laws, following claims that individuals with dwarfism were hired as entertainment at the party.
In recent weeks, Yamal had fuelled speculation about a possible shirt change by posting images on social media of Maradona, Ronaldinho and Messi – all wearing the No.10 for Barcelona.
With his rapid rise and now the symbolic shirt on his back, Yamal will carry the expectations of a new generation at the Camp Nou.