Barcelona’s youngest sensation, 18-year-old Lamine Yamal, has penned a new contract extension with the Catalan giants and stepped into one of football’s most storied shirts: the No.10, famously donned by Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo.
Since bursting onto the scene in 2023 at just 15 years old, Yamal has racked up 25 goals in 116 appearances, helping Barça clinch a domestic treble last season. His journey through La Masia saw him start in the No.41, switch to No.27, then follow Messi’s early path in the No.19 before claiming the No.10 this summer.
Barcelona’s social channels celebrated the moment with a simple message—“Our 10”—and a video montage of Yamal’s rising star moments. Fans and pundits are buzzing about how the winger will honor the legacy of those who came before him, balancing creativity, flair and end-product.
Off the field, Yamal faced scrutiny after a private birthday celebration featuring performers with dwarfism led Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights to request a public prosecutor review, following a complaint by the Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE). The investigation is ongoing.
As he secures his future at Camp Nou and inherits the weight—and inspiration—of the No.10 shirt, all eyes will be on how Yamal shapes the next chapter of his career, both on and off the pitch.
Reference(s):
Yamal extends contract, takes over iconic Barcelona number 10 shirt
cgtn.com
