Lamine Yamal inherits Lionel Messi’s No.10 jersey at Barcelona

Lamine Yamal has locked in Lionel Messi’s number 10 jersey ahead of the upcoming La Liga season. In an official ceremony held on Wednesday to mark Yamal’s contract extension with Barcelona until 2031, Lamine Yamal was handed the fabled number 10 jersey, previously worn by legends like Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho. The 18-year-old enjoyed a remarkable 2024-25 season for Barcelona, scoring as many as 18 goals and 25 assists from 55 appearances. After Messi departed from Barcelona, Ansu Fati wore the number 10 jersey. However, following the latter's move to Monaco this summer, Lamine Yamal inherited the shirt. 

After being handed over the iconic jersey, Yamal outlined his goals for the upcoming season. The 18-year-old expressed his desire to help Barcelona win the UEFA Champions League. 

"My goals for this new season? Winning the Champions League and the World Cup. These are my goals now," said Yamal.

While acknowledging Lionel Messi’s contribution to the club, Yamal said that he will be creating his own path. Upon taking over the number 10 jersey, here’s what he told the press: 

“Messi has made his own path, I’m going to make mine, and the number 10 comes from Ansu now. So, I will try to make all the Cules happy, those who are there and those who are at home,” said Yamal.

Lamine Yamal has scored 14 goals in 73 La Liga Appearances for Barcelona

At just 18 years of age, Lamine Yamal is already considered one of the best footballers in the world. He made his debut in Barcelona’s first team on 29th April 2023. At 15 years and 290 days old, he became the youngest player ever to debut for the Catalans club. 2023-25 proved to be his breakthrough season, scoring 5 goals and 7 assists in 37 La Liga appearances for Barcelona. The following season, he scored nine goals in 35 La Liga appearances for Barcelona. 

His international debut for Spain came during the Euro 2024 qualifying match against Georgia on 8th September 2023. Yamal came on as a substitute in the 44th match and netted his maiden international goal in the 74th minute, helping his team seal a 7-1 win. At just 16 years and 57 days old, Lamine Yamal became Spain’s youngest goalscorer to score a goal, a record previously held by Gavi.