Lamine Yamal Makes Bold Move to Switch His Iconic Barcelona Jersey Number
Reports from Spain indicate that Lamine Yamal is poised to inherit Barcelona's iconic No.10 jersey, which will become available following Ansu Fati's expected departure.
Following Lionel Messi's exit from the club in 2021, Fati was handed the prestigious number 10 after his rapid emergence drew parallels to the legendary Argentine player. However, recurring injuries and a decline in performance have resulted in his fall from grace within the squad hierarchy.
The 22-year-old forward is now on the verge of joining Monaco, with negotiations for an initial loan arrangement including a permanent transfer option nearing completion.
According to Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona's leadership has already made the decision to assign the No.10 jersey to Yamal, who presently sports number 19 after progressing from his previous numbers 41 and 27.
This move will undoubtedly fuel further parallels between Messi and the 17-year-old prodigy Yamal, though sources suggest the young talent is prepared to handle the additional pressure that accompanies wearing Messi's former number.
The jersey transition is anticipated to be officially processed internally once Fati's exit is confirmed, however, public announcement will be postponed until Yamal reaches his 18th birthday on July 13, which coincidentally marks the opening day of Barcelona's pre-season training. Only after this date will Yamal be publicly seen wearing the number 10 jersey.
History of Barcelona's No.10 shirt
The number 10 is intrinsically linked with Messi at Barcelona, and the reasoning is crystal clear. From 2008 to 2021, the Argentine donned this jersey while cementing his status as potentially the finest player in football history.
Nevertheless, when Messi first obtained the number 10, it came with significant expectations. Ballon d'Or recipient Ronaldinho had worn the shirt for five seasons, succeeding notable figures like Juan Román Riquelme, Rivaldo and Jari Litmanen.
Looking further into the past, Barcelona's number 10 has been adorned by legendary players including Gheorghe Hagi, Hristo Stoichkov, Romário, Diego Maradona and Pep Guardiola.
Supporters from earlier eras will also recall club icons László Kubala and Luis Suárez, who were among the prominent figures to wear the number 10 throughout the 1950s and 1960s.