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Barcelona's last-minute signing Gabriel Jesus has been assigned the iconic No.9 shirt as the club unveiled its squad numbers ahead of the new campaign.
Jesus proved to be a somewhat unexpected addition for Barça, who confirmed a €10 million ($11.5 million) deal late in the transfer window.
The La Liga title holders lost both Robert Lewandowski (to Chicago Fire) and Ferran Torres (to Paris Saint-Germain) over the summer, leaving a notable void in their attacking options.
Julián Alvarez had been the club's top priority, with president Joan Laporta openly expressing his desire to land the Atlético Madrid striker. However, after a drawn-out summer pursuit, Alvarez ultimately remained at his club, forcing Barcelona to seek a last-minute alternative — a search that ended with Jesus's arrival.
Hansi Flick: I Love Jesus
Following the failed Alvarez pursuit, the acquisition of 29-year-old Jesus has been met with mixed reactions from supporters, given his limited playing time and modest goal return at Arsenal in recent seasons.
The former Manchester City forward has managed no more than four league goals in each of his last four campaigns with the Gunners — a tally that has fallen below even "Own Goals" in the club's scoring charts each year, largely due to recurring injury problems.
Nevertheless, Jesus is regarded as a short-term solution who adds valuable depth to Hansi Flick's squad and is considered a strong stylistic fit by the head coach.
"I was a little surprised we had the opportunity to get him," Flick said after Jesus's signing was confirmed. "I really love him, I like his style to play football, it fits with our style. I think he can help us a lot in the games.
"For us, he can be an important [player], so thanks to [sporting director] Deco because again he made an excellent job."
Raphinha has served as the focal point of Barcelona's attack across the first three matches of the season, with the team showing no shortage of firepower. Jesus could make his debut, in some form, during Sunday's away fixture against Valencia.
Jesus Handed Iconic Shirt As Youngsters Get High-Profile Numbers
Our squad numbers for 2026/27 ✨ pic.twitter.com/QG4trBIlud
Should he feature this weekend, Jesus will don Robert Lewandowski's former No.9 shirt — a strong statement of confidence in the new recruit.
Before Lewandowski's four-year tenure at the club, during which the Polish forward netted 120 goals and claimed three league titles, the jersey had been worn by legendary figures such as Luis Suárez, Samuel Eto'o, Ronaldo, Hristo Stoichkov, Gary Lineker, and Johan Cruyff.
The number has also been associated with less celebrated names, including Martin Braithwaite and Memphis Depay.
Elsewhere, Barcelona's squad number announcement reveals that 20-year-old midfield prospect Brian Fariñas has been handed the No. 4 shirt — previously belonging to Ronald Araújo — despite having yet to make a senior appearance for the club. Meanwhile, 18-year-old Xavi Espart is another youngster elevated to the first team on a permanent basis, taking the No. 12 shirt.
Goalkeeper Joan García will wear the No.1 shirt this season, having previously donned No.13 during his debut campaign in 2025–26, while Fermín Lopez moves to No. 7 with his former No. 16 being allocated to new arrival Rodri.