Barcelona’s 17-year-old prodigy, Lamine Yamal, has spoken candidly about the prospect of inheriting Lionel Messi’s legendary No.10 shirt, a number synonymous with greatness at the Catalan club. With Ansu Fati’s imminent departure to AS Monaco on loan, speculation has intensified that Yamal, already a cornerstone of Barcelona’s future, could take up the iconic jersey next season. Far from shying away from the weight of such a responsibility, the young winger has expressed a grounded perspective, emphasizing his focus on performance over symbolism.
Yamal, who recently signed a six-year contract extension with Barcelona until 2031, addressed the potential pressure of donning the No.10 shirt in a recent interview. “It’s just a number,” he remarked. “When I’m about to shoot in front of goal, I’m not going to be thinking about what number I’m wearing.” His comments reflect a maturity beyond his years, a trait that has seen him handle the spotlight with remarkable composure since his debut at age 15. Yamal’s current No.19 shirt has already become a fan favorite, but the allure of the No.10—worn by legends like Messi, Diego Maradona, and Ronaldinho—carries a unique legacy.
The teenager’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. In the 2024-25 season, Yamal played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s domestic treble, scoring 18 goals and providing 25 assists in 55 appearances. His performances earned him the Kopa Trophy as the world’s best young player, and some pundits, including Rio Ferdinand, have hailed him as a talent unmatched in Europe’s top leagues. Comparisons to Messi are inevitable, especially given a poignant moment from 2007 when a baby Yamal was photographed in the arms of a 20-year-old Messi during a UNICEF photoshoot. Yet, Yamal remains unfazed by the parallels. “I don’t compare myself to anyone, and much less with Messi,” he said before his 100th appearance for Barcelona, where he scored a stunning goal in a 3-3 Champions League draw against Inter.
Barcelona’s management, led by sporting director Deco and president Joan Laporta, is acutely aware of Yamal’s significance. Deco has emphasized the club’s efforts to shield the teenager from external pressures, such as sponsor demands and media scrutiny, drawing parallels to how they managed Messi’s early career. “We try to not let him do everything, because everyone wants his shirt or time,” Deco noted. The club’s confidence in Yamal is reflected in his new contract, which includes a €1 billion release clause and positions him as one of Barcelona’s top earners, potentially netting nearly €40 million annually with bonuses.
The decision to hand Yamal the No.10 shirt hinges on Ansu Fati’s exit, which appears increasingly likely. Fati, who inherited the number after Messi’s departure in 2021, has struggled for form and playing time under manager Hansi Flick, appearing in just 11 matches this season. Yamal, by contrast, has been a constant presence, making 115 appearances and scoring 25 goals for the club by age 17, a record that surpasses even Messi’s early milestones. Reports suggest Yamal has already filmed a Nike advertisement wearing the No.10 shirt, signaling Barcelona’s intent to make him the face of the club both on and off the pitch.
Fans are divided on the move. Some see Yamal as the natural heir to Messi’s legacy, with one supporter on X proclaiming, “With Lamine Yamal, it feels like destiny.” Others caution against burdening the teenager with such a symbolic number so early in his career. Barcelona advisor Enric Masip, however, dismissed concerns about Yamal’s readiness, stating, “He’s happy at Barcelona; it’s the club of his life.” The club’s faith is further evidenced by their plans to maximize Yamal’s commercial potential, with expectations that ‘Yamal 10’ shirts will drive significant revenue.
Yamal’s roots in Barcelona’s Rocafonda neighborhood add a layer of authenticity to his story. A local hero, he inspires children in his community, where graffiti at the municipal football pitch reads, “In Rocafonda, more Lamine Yamals and fewer evictions.” His humility shines through in interactions with friends, who describe him as unchanged by fame. As he prepares to turn 18 in July, when he will officially sign his new contract, Yamal remains focused on his craft, viewing the No.10 shirt not as a burden but as an opportunity to carve his own legacy.