Barcelona has officially handed the prestigious No. 10 jersey to Ramin Yamal, a shirt once donned by Lionel Messi, the club announced on Wednesday.
This follows Yamal’s recent 18th birthday celebration on Sunday, as he takes over the number from Ansu Fati, who recently completed a loan move to Monaco.
The confirmation of Yamal’s new number occurred at a special event attended by him and his family, marking the celebration of his new contract, which was signed last month and will last until 2031.
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Since 2008, Messi has worn the No. 10 shirt for Barcelona until his departure to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. The Argentine superstar etched his name into Camp Nou history, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer while securing 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies.
“As a kid, my dream was to wear No. 10 for Barça and make my debut,” Yamal expressed on Wednesday. “Every child born in Barcelona harbors that dream. Messi paved the way, and now it’s my turn to forge my own path.”
After Messi, Fati took over the No. 10 jersey in 2021, but injuries prevented him from solidifying his spot in the team.
Yamal is emerging as a standout player for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team.
With 106 appearances and 25 goals already to his name, this young talent is poised to carry one of the most significant numbers in the club’s legacy. Apart from Messi, this number has also been worn by legends such as Ronaldinho, Romário, and Diego Maradona.
In recent weeks, Yamal has alluded to changes on social media, sharing images of Argentine legends Maradona, Ronaldinho, and Messi.
This marks the fourth number he has worn for Barcelona. He debuted in the 2022-23 season wearing No. 41, switched to No. 27 for the following season, and donned No. 19 last year, which preceded his current No. 10.
Our New No.10 pic.twitter.com/otacsgpj6t
-FC Barcelona (@fcbarcelona)
July 16, 2025
Yamal has already piloted Barcelona to two La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Supercopa. He also played a key role in Spain’s European Championship victory last summer.
“I haven’t won the Champions League or the World Cup yet. Those are my current aspirations,” he stated.
The announcement follows scrutiny related to a potential official investigation by the Spanish government regarding an incident at his 18th birthday party where individuals with dwarfism were employed as entertainers.
Yamal chose to sidestep the controversy on Wednesday.
“While I work for Barça, I also make sure to enjoy my life outside the club’s training grounds. That’s all there is to it,” Yamal mentioned. “I’m indifferent to the criticism or praise that doesn’t come from my family or close friends.”
This report incorporates information from Reuters and the Associated Press.
### Fan Take:
This news is significant as it symbolizes a new era for Barcelona, with Yamal stepping into the legendary No. 10 jersey and carrying on a rich legacy. For soccer fans, this transition not only represents the potential rise of a future star but also the ongoing evolution within one of the sport’s most storied clubs.
