Barcelona are preparing to hand over the famous No 10 jersey — once worn by Lionel Messi — to their young star Lamine Yamal, signaling a new chapter in the club’s history.
The move follows news that Yamal, who will turn 18 this July, is close to agreeing on a new long-term contract with the LaLiga champions. Reports from Mail Sport reveal the deal will feature a massive €1 billion release clause, showing how much Barcelona values the promising forward.
So far this season, Yamal has worn the No 19 shirt. However, he is set to take the No 10 from Ansu Fati, whose future with the club remains unclear. Barcelona clearly see Yamal as their brightest talent since Messi’s debut nearly twenty years ago, and they want him to carry the number that holds so much importance in the club’s legacy.
This change is expected to be finalized around Yamal’s birthday, capping off a rapid rise to fame. In just a short time, the teenager has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting young players. He helped Spain secure the European Championship last year and is already considered a potential future Ballon d’Or winner.
Yamal first appeared for Barcelona’s senior team when he was just 15 years old. Since then, he has won two LaLiga titles and been an important part of the team’s journey to the Champions League semifinals, where they were narrowly beaten by Inter Milan in an exciting series.
The No 10 jersey is deeply symbolic at Barcelona. Messi wore it from 2008 to 2021, scoring a record 672 goals and earning numerous trophies, including seven Ballon d’Or awards and multiple league and Champions League titles. His success made the shirt legendary, and it will be a big challenge for Yamal to fill those shoes.
Still, the early signs are promising. After a thrilling 3-3 draw against Inter Milan recently, former players praised Yamal highly. Rio Ferdinand said Yamal is “the best player in the world,” and Jamie Carragher compared him to a young Messi.
