Star forward Yamal inherits Barcelona’s iconic No. 10 jersey that was worn by legends like Messi, Ronaldinho and Maradona; youngster insists he will look to create his own legacy
Barcelona ‘s Lamine Yamal holds his new No. 10 jersey on Wednesday. Pics/Getty Images
Three days after turning 18, Lamine Yamal received the most special gift of all — Barcelona’s iconic No. 10 shirt. Although the gifted teenaged winger, who wore the No. 19 last season, has eschewed comparisons to all-time Barcelona great Lionel Messi, he has followed in the Argentine’s footsteps by taking the No. 10 shirt, also worn by Diego Maradona and Ronaldinho among other stars.
Honouring legends
“I’ll try to build my own path, but all kids would like to be like them,” Yamal said on Wednesday at the club’s announcement. “All three have been incredible players, they’re legends, and I’ll try to follow in their footsteps,” he added. Having turned 18, Yamal was able to sign the contract extension that he had agreed with Barcelona in May, keeping him in place until 2031.
“My goal is to keep winning and growing. It’s the club of my life. I’ve been here since I was seven years old,” said Yamal, who has already made over 100 appearances for the club, scoring 25 goals, and winning two La Liga titles since his debut at the age of 15 in 2023.
The Spain international, who has also won Euro 2024, is the sport’s most exciting prospect and a possible future Ballon D’Or winner.
Brazilian connection
With his penchant for trickery, Yamal has also been compared to former Barcelona and Brazil winger Neymar. Yamal’s huge 18th birthday celebration last weekend, was more akin to the Brazilian’s style than that of the more introverted Messi.
Yamal’s event caused a stir, with the Spanish government asking for a probe into whether hiring entertainers with dwarfism broke any laws. Once that storm settles, the focus will be on whether Messi’s No. 10 weighs heavy on Yamal, but with the forward showing no sign of nerves, most would back him to continue
shining bright.
Barca’s proud No. 10 heritage
Diego Maradona (1982-84)
38 goals in 58 games
Romario (1992-1995)
39 goals in 66 games
Rivaldo (2000-2002)
50 goals in 86 games
Ronaldinho (2003-2008)
95 goals in 210 games
Lionel Messi (2008-2021)
630 goals in 669 games
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