Yamal takes iconic Barcelona number 10 shirt
Young Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal received the club's iconic number 10 shirt, which was formerly worn by legendary Lionel Messi, on Wednesday.
“Messi carved out his own path, and I will forge mine,” Yamal expressed to reporters during an event at the club shop at the Spotify Camp Nou stadium.
“I will dedicate myself fully, giving it my all, and aim to bring joy to the fans both in the stadium and those watching from home.”
The 18-year-old winger, frequently likened to the Argentine superstar who also emerged from the club’s La Masia academy, played a key role in helping the Catalan team secure a domestic treble last season.
He extended his contract with Barcelona until 2031 in May, becoming one of the top earners at the club.
“I hope to have even more fun than last year and fulfill my aspirations,” Yamal added, noting his desire to win the Champions League with Barcelona and the World Cup with Spain.
Yamal has netted 25 goals for the club in over 100 matches, having debuted in 2023 at just 15 years old, initially wearing the number 41 shirt.
“Barca is everything to me; I’ve been here since I was seven. For all the kids from La Masia, the dream is to reach the first team, and I am achieving that, so I must keep putting in the effort,” Yamal stated.
“When I was younger, I envisioned myself at Barca and wearing this number.”
After a season in the number 27 jersey, Yamal embraced the number 19 last summer, a number Messi donned at the club from 2005 to 2008.
Ansu Fati took on Messi’s number 10 shirt in 2021 when the now-Inter Miami player departed Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain.
Struggling with a succession of injuries, Fati was unable to reach his full potential at Barcelona and was loaned to Monaco earlier this July.
Other renowned players such as Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho, and Rivaldo have also worn the Barcelona number 10 jersey historically.
“(Messi, Maradona, Ronaldinho) are three football legends, three icons of this club,” Yamal remarked.
“I am thankful for what they contributed to the club, and I will strive to uphold this legacy.”
Yamal made headlines after celebrating his 18th birthday last weekend with a private event featuring entertainers with dwarfism.
Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights has requested the public prosecutor to launch an investigation into the party following a complaint from the Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE).
“In the end, I play for Barca and represent the club, but when I’m not at (the club), I like to enjoy my life, and that’s all,” he concluded.
Leave A Comment