Announcement comes just days after the player celebrated his 18th birthday
Lamine Yamal has officially been handed Barcelona’s iconic No 10 shirt, as confirmed by the club in an announcement on Wednesday.
The move shows a clear vote of confidence on the 18-year-old in Catalonia, as he continues his rapid rise to the top of world football.
The shirt became available following Ansu Fati’s loan switch to AS Monaco earlier this month. Fati had inherited the number in 2021 after Messi’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain but struggled to live up to his potential due to recurring injuries.
The announcement that Yamal is taking up the iconic jersey comes only days after his 18th birthday. The player has also officially signed a new contract that ties him to Barcelona until 2031. The announcement was made at a private ceremony involving the player and his family at the club’s training facilities.
Despite only turning 18 this month, Yamal has already made over 100 senior appearances for Barcelona. He has registered 25 goals and 34 assists.
Last season, Yamal helped Barcelona win a domestic treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Spanish Supercopa. His performances have seen him regarded as the most talented teenager in half a century.
The No 10 shirt has a long and prestigious history at Barcelona. It has been worn by some of the best footballers in history, including Messi, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Romario, and Diego Maradona.
