Sport Analyst
Emmanuel Afonja
Barcelona’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, is reportedly set to inherit one of the most iconic jersey numbers in football history — the legendary No. 10 shirt once worn by Lionel Messi. The news comes shortly after the club announced that the 16-year-old prodigy has signed a new long-term contract, complete with a staggering €1 billion release clause.
Yamal’s rise through the ranks at Barcelona has been nothing short of meteoric. Hailed as one of the brightest young talents in Europe, he made his senior debut for the Catalan giants at just 15 years old, quickly impressing fans and pundits alike with his vision, dribbling, and composure well beyond his years. Since then, he has cemented his place in the first team and become a regular figure under manager Xavi Hernández.
The No. 10 shirt, worn most famously by Messi for over a decade, has remained untouched since the Argentine’s departure from Camp Nou in 2021. Now, Barcelona appears ready to entrust that symbolic jersey to Yamal — a clear sign of the immense faith the club has in his potential to lead them into a new era.
The club’s decision to include a €1 billion release clause in Yamal’s new deal reflects both their desire to fend off interest from Europe’s elite and their belief that the youngster could become the future face of FC Barcelona. It mirrors the approach the club took with other academy graduates like Pedri and Ansu Fati, both of whom had similarly astronomical clauses placed in their contracts.
Fans have greeted the news with excitement, seeing in Yamal a player who could carry forward the creative and inspirational legacy left behind by Messi. While the pressure of wearing the No. 10 shirt is immense, those close to the club believe Yamal has the maturity, mindset, and talent to live up to the responsibility.
As Barcelona continues its rebuild with a mix of experienced leaders and young stars, Lamine Yamal stands at the heart of the club’s vision for the future. The road ahead may be challenging, but with a €1 billion tag and Messi’s number on his back, the teenager is set to become not just Barcelona’s new star — but possibly a global icon in the making.
