'I Will Try To Continue The Legacy': Lamine Yamal Vows To Honour Barcelona's Coveted No.10 Shirt
Just three days after celebrating his 18th birthday, Lamine Yamal received the most symbolic gift of his career so far — Barcelona's iconic No. 10 jersey.
The prodigious winger, widely regarded as the brightest talent of his generation, has now inherited a number worn by some of the greatest names in football history, including Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, and Diego Maradona.
While Yamal has consistently avoided direct comparisons to Messi, he acknowledged the weight of the number he now wears.
'I will try to continue this legacy," Yamal said confidently on Wednesday, showing no signs of intimidation by the jersey's legendary past.
Despite his youth, Yamal has already made over 100 first-team appearances, scored 25 goals, and helped Barcelona secure two La Liga titles since debuting as a 15-year-old in 2023.
Yamal's impact extends beyond club football. Just one day after turning 17, he played a pivotal role in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, becoming the youngest-ever player to win a major international tournament.
The electric winger also helped Barcelona complete a domestic treble in the 2024–25 season, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup — making him a strong contender for this year's Ballon d'Or.
Whether he can replicate Messi's longevity remains to be seen, but so far, Yamal has answered every challenge placed before him.
'I left fear behind in the park in Mataró a while ago," he said, referencing his hometown. His trademark goal celebration — flashing a '304' with his fingers — honors the postcode of Rocafonda, the neighborhood where he grew up.
A New Era Begins
In May, Yamal signed a new contract through 2031, securing his future at the club and making him one of Barcelona's highest-paid players. With the No. 10 shirt now officially his and adulthood just beginning, his next chapter is set to be even more monumental.
'We have to keep enjoying it above all," he added. 'Because when we're enjoying ourselves, we're much happier — and we can win."
(with agency inputs)
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July 17, 2025, 18:21 IST
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