Lamine with the number '10': the number that turned Messi into a legend and Ansu into a failed promise

Lamine Yamal shirts with the number 10 were already being sold, even before Barcelona made it official. A decision that goes beyond a simple number. At Barça, the number 10 isn't just any number : it's a symbol of history and, above all, of responsibility.

Since Lionel Messi left, the club's most iconic jersey has been searching for an heir. Ansu Fati was the first to try . Today, that challenge falls on the shoulders of a young man who has just turned 18.

There's no more special number at the club . Historic players like Maradona, Romario, Rivaldo, Riquelme, Ronaldinho, and Messi have all worn it. Most recently, it was Ansu Fati, now on loan to Monaco .

1. Lamine Yamal (2025-?)
2. Ansu Fati (2021-24)
3. Lionel Messi (2008-2021)
4. Ronaldinho (2003-08)
5. Riquelme (2002-03)
6. Rivaldo (2000-02)
7. Hagi (1994-1996)
8. Romario (1993-95)
9. Maradona (1982-1984)

We'll remember how FC Barcelona's last number 10s fared since the introduction of fixed numbers in LaLiga. Three names remain vivid in the Barça memory: Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, and Messi. Rivaldo scored one of the greatest hat-tricks in history to qualify Barça for the Champions League in 2001. Ronaldinho rescued the club from a dark period with his charisma and magic. And Messi ... changed Barcelona's history forever, remaining one of the most iconic players in the history of football.

A number that has an almost magical power , but also carries with it great responsibility . After Messi's departure in 2021, Ansu Fati was chosen to wear it. But injuries, pressure, and a lack of continuity ultimately tarnished his career. From promise to loan, from inheriting the throne to having to exploit his football outside of Catalonia.

Before Messi, others also tried their hand at it without much success. Giovanni da Silva, Riquelme, and Litmanen were undisputed talents, but they never quite fit into the Blaugrana squad .

The emergence of Lamine Yamal has generated expectations rarely seen for a player of his age. Comparisons between Messi and Lamine are evident, as there are many similarities. Barça sees him as their next leader , their great hope in the medium term. Quick, direct, with a left foot that breaks lines and a maturity unbecoming of a person who has just turned 18.

All this excitement must be controlled. Every player is unique, and making comparisons is never going to be positive , especially when compared to a player who has achieved these feats with the club: ten La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues, six Ballon d'Ors, and six Golden Boots.

Ansu also faced similar pressure , and due to injuries and poor performance, he hasn't been able to live up to it. This was also the case for Leo himself when he took over from Ronaldinho as the number 10. Therefore, Lamine will have to manage all the responsibilities that will fall on him: headlines, expectations, leadership, managing emotions...

The story of the No. 10 at Barça is a roller coaster. Some were able to leave their legacy on Olympus, while others couldn't bear the vertigo . For Lamine Yamal, it may be the final push to leave his mark, or perhaps a huge mistake to place so much responsibility on such a young player.

Only time will tell what history it will leave behind. A new chapter in the history of the 10 begins .

Lamine Yamal shirts with the number 10 were already being sold, even before Barcelona made it official. A decision that goes beyond a simple number. At Barça, the number 10 isn't just any number : it's a symbol of history and, above all, of responsibility.