Lamine Yamal, the teenage sensation of who’s lit up both La Liga and the international stage, has officially inherited Barcelona’s iconic No. 10 shirt, once worn by Lionel Messi.
It’s not just a change of kit, it’s a statement of belief from the club. But with great numbers come great expectations. Is Yamal ready to handle the pressure that weighed down Ansu Fati?
A New Era Begins at Camp Nou
Barcelona confirmed that Yamal will wear the No. 10 shirt for the 2025–26 season. This move comes as Ansu Fati, the previous holder of the number, heads to AS Monaco on loan.
Yamal now becomes the youngest player in club history to sport the iconic number, and the message is clear: Barcelona sees him as their future.
At just 17, Yamal’s rise has been rapid. He broke into the first team as a 15-year-old and has already made over 100 appearances, scoring 25 goals.
What Went Wrong for Ansu Fati?
When Messi left, Fati was supposed to be the heir. Handed the legendary shirt in 2021, he had the talent, the flair, and the backing of the fans. But fate had other plans.
Recurring injuries robbed Fati of momentum. During the 2024–25 season, he played just 291 minutes across 11 matches and failed to score a single goal.
According to Transfermarkt, he missed over 84 days due to injury. It was a frustrating stretch for a player once billed as the next big thing.
Barcelona’s decision to loan him to Monaco, with an €11 million purchase option, reflects a mix of sporting pragmatism and financial need.
Fati, still under contract until 2028, now hopes to find his spark in Ligue 1. “I am fighting to get back to my best level,” he said in a press conference. “And I am here to try to do that.”
Why the No. 10 Shirt Still Matters?
This isn’t just a squad number. At Barcelona, the No. 10 carries a legacy. Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, and Messi all wore it, and each left an unforgettable mark on the club. It’s more than fabric; it’s identity.
But it’s also a heavy load. Ansu Fati learned that the hard way. The pressure, the comparisons, and the expectations can be stifling, especially for young players.
Yamal’s Meteoric Rise
Unlike many of his peers, Yamal’s progress has been consistent and clear. In 2023, he became the youngest-ever scorer for both Barcelona and Spain. His composure, sharp dribbling, and ability to read the game make him a unique attacking threat.
Throughout the 2024–25 season, he became one of the key figures in Barcelona’s attacking play, helping the team secure a domestic treble.
His performances drew praise from across Europe, and in May 2025, he signed a new contract that keeps him at the club until 2031, making him one of the best-paid players in the squad.
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