Barcelona’s No. 10: Will Lamine Yamal Shine After Messi

The No. 10 jersey at FC Barcelona is more than a number. It is an icon, a symbol of hope, talent, and massive expectation. From legendary players such as Maradona, Ronaldinho, and especially Lionel Messi, the shirt has become one of the most famous in football. Now, that responsibility, which once belonged to Messi and then Ansu Fati, falls on the young shoulders of Lamine Yamal, just 18 years old.

Many fans and experts are asking a simple question: Is Barcelona gambling again with the No. 10? Let’s explore what this means, and what people are really thinking.

The Heavyweight History of No. 10

Barcelona's No. 10 jersey has a long story:

Lionel Messi wore it for over a decade, scoring 672 goals, winning 34 major trophies, and becoming the club's greatest legend. His success set a standard that is incredibly hard to achieve.
Ansu Fati inherited the number in 2021, full of promise but struggled due to injuries and the burden of expectation.
Lamine Yamal is now the latest wonderkid to take on the challenge after Fati was loaned to Monaco.

This cycle of hope, pressure, and scrutiny is unique to Barcelona due to what Messi and his predecessors achieved.

Why Give It to Yamal?

Lamine Yamal’s talent is hard to deny. By age 18, he had played over 100 times for Barcelona, scored and assisted for both club and country, and shown maturity rare for his age. The club believes he represents the future and hope he can grow into the role—not just as a player, but as a leader.

Yamal himself seems unfazed by the weight:

"Messi made his path, I will make mine… I will try to carry on the legacy, but every player has to follow their own journey," Yamal said during his presentation.

Gamble or Smart Bet?

Arguments That It’s a Gamble

Age and Pressure: At only 18, Yamal will face huge scrutiny, just like Fati did. Many worry giving the number too early can affect a player’s development if results or performances don’t immediately impress.
Recency of Fati’s Struggles: The quick transition from Messi to Fati to Yamal can feel hasty. Fati, once called a future superstar, found the pressure too heavy and was ultimately sent on loan to revive his career elsewhere.
Fan and Media Opinions: Online debates reveal some fans want the number "retired" or not assigned so soon, to protect emerging players from past shadows and stress.

Reasons It’s a Calculated Step

Yamal’s Confidence and Achievements: Unlike many teenagers, Yamal has shown strong mental resilience. He states he feels no pressure but wants to write his own story.
Club Needs Leadership: With Barcelona rebuilding, they need fresh heroes. Yamal’s skills and calm attitude may be exactly what the club needs to inspire the next generation.
Historical Patterns: Other legends like Ronaldinho were also young and untested when they first wore the No. 10, but flourished under the spotlight.

What Are People Saying?

On social media, opinion is split. Some fans celebrate Yamal’s rise and believe he is “ready for greatness,” noting his confidence and early accomplishments. Others remember how Fati suffered and urge patience, warning the club not to let history repeat itself. Football experts agree that filling Messi’s shoes is “impossible,” and the challenge is to let each new No. 10 create his own path, rather than compare him with the legends of the past.

The Club’s Approach This Time

Aware of past problems, Barcelona made Yamal’s No. 10 announcement more private than public. Club leaders wanted to protect him from unnecessary media pressure and focus the attention on football, not spectacle. They also extended Yamal’s contract until 2031, sending a message of trust and hope for the long term.

What’s Next For Yamal and Barcelona?

Barcelona’s decision to hand Lamine Yamal the No. 10 is both bold and thoughtful. While it may seem like a gamble, it’s built on trust in his talent and character. Yamal himself understands the risk and responsibility, but says he wants to make the number his own.

Will Barcelona’s bet pay off this time? Only time will tell. What’s certain is that, for the young Spanish star and his club, the journey is just beginning—and all eyes, once again, are on the back of that famous jersey.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies