FC Barcelona officially handed the iconic No. 10 jersey to Lamine Yamal on Tuesday, marking a new era at Camp Nou. The 18-year-old sensation, hailed as one of world football’s brightest prospects, received the shirt in a live-streamed ceremony held at the newly renovated stadium.
Yamal, who celebrated his 18th birthday on July 13, also signed a new contract until 2031 with a staggering €1 billion release clause, signalling the club’s long-term faith in his talent and leadership.
The event, originally planned for his birthday but delayed due to backlash over a private celebration, was attended by club president Joan Laporta, Yamal’s family, and thousands of fans watching online. His emotional grandmother was among those present, drawing warm reactions from supporters.
Yamal succeeds Ansu Fati, now on loan at AS Monaco, as Barcelona’s No. 10 a number worn in the past by legends Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, and Diego Maradona. The jersey’s symbolic weight wasn’t lost on Yamal.
“This jersey is a dream for any kid at La Masia. Messi, Ronaldinho, Maradona they’re legends, but I want to carve my own path,” Yamal said.
The Rocafonda-born forward, who rose through Barça’s youth ranks after joining at age seven, made his first-team debut at 15 in April 2023. In just over two years, he has amassed more than 100 appearances, scoring 25 goals and delivering 28 assists.
His breakout 2024/25 season saw him play a crucial role in Barcelona’s domestic treble La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de España as well as Spain’s Euro 2024 title win. His Champions League heroics drew praise from Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi, who described him as “a phenomenon born every 50 years.”
To honour Yamal’s roots, the club also unveiled a mural in his Rocafonda neighbourhood, showing him proudly wearing the No. 10 jersey. The mural, funded by local initiatives and Barça, celebrates his journey from a modest upbringing to global stardom.
“This mural means everything to me and my family. Rocafonda is where I grew up, and to see this honour here is unreal,” Yamal said.
Laporta described Yamal as “the future of Barça.”
“Lamine represents the spirit of this clubm talent, humility, and ambition. Giving him the No. 10 isn’t just about his skill; it’s about our belief in his leadership for the next decade.”
The ceremony also gave fans a glimpse of the almost-complete Camp Nou, which will reopen fully for the 2025/26 season with Yamal front and center in Barça’s vision for the future.
