The young star of Barcelona Lamine Yamal inherited on Wednesday (16) the iconic shirt 10 of the Catalan club, already dressed by legends such as Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho Gaúcho.
“Our 10”, published Barça on social networks, following a video starring the striker. The change is also a way to celebrate the athlete’s contract renewal, now valid until June 2031.
“Barcelona is my life, it’s my house, I’ve been here since I was 7 years old. For all the boys in the base is a dream come to the main team, and I’m fulfilling,” said the player.
At the age of 18, Yamal is often compared to Messi, not only for early talent, but also for having passed La Masia, the famous base of the Catalan club. Last season, it was a key piece in the achievements of the Spanish Championship, the King Cup and the Spanish Super Cup.
Since debut for the first team in 2023, at age 15, Yamal has played more than 100 matches and scored 25 goals. It started using the number 41, passed the 27th shirt and, a year ago, adopted the number 19 – even though Messi used between 2005 and 2008.
After Messi’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, shirt 10 was inherited by Ansu Fati. However, a series of injuries prevented the striker from reaching the expected potential, and he was eventually loaned to Monaco earlier this month.
In addition to Messi, Ronaldinho Gaucho, Rivaldo and Diego Maradona also made history with Barcelona’s 10th shirt.
Yamal, however, has been involved in a controversy in recent days. During the celebration party of its 18th anniversary, held privately, the event featured animators with dwarfism. The celebration generated criticism and led Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights to request an investigation from the Public Prosecution Service, following a complaint from the Association of People with AcondraPlasia and other skeletal dysplasias (ADEE).
