Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has officially taken over the club’s legendary number 10 shirt, a jersey once worn by football royalty like Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, and Diego Maradona. At just 18, Yamal steps into one of the most iconic roles in world football after a stellar breakthrough season that helped Barça win a domestic treble.
What Does Yamal Say About Taking Messi’s Number?
“Messi made his path and I will make mine,” Yamal told reporters at a club shop event at Spotify Camp Nou. “I will work as hard as I can, give everything, and try to make those Barca fans who are there happy and those who are at home.”
Despite inevitable comparisons to Messi, both came through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, Yamal remains focused on forging his legacy. “I hope to enjoy myself more than last year and make my dreams come true,” he added, expressing his desire to win both the Champions League with Barcelona and the World Cup with Spain.
How Has Yamal’s Career Progressed So Far?
Yamal made his first-team debut in 2023 at the age of 15, wearing the number 41. He later switched to 27 and then 19, mirroring Messi’s early numbers at the club. With over 100 appearances and 25 goals already under his belt, he signed a contract extension until 2031 in May, making him one of the club’s top earners.
“Barca is my life, I’ve been here since I was seven,” Yamal shared. “For all kids from La Masia, their dream is to make it to the first team, and I’m doing it, and I have to keep working.”
How Did Fans React to His Controversial Birthday?
Following his 18th birthday, Yamal came under fire after holding a private party that included entertainers with dwarfism. Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights requested a public prosecutor investigation after a formal complaint was filed by ADEE (Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias).
“In the end, I work for Barca, I play for Barca, but when I’m away from (the club) I enjoy my life, and that’s all,” Yamal responded to the controversy.
By Yockshard Enyendi
