Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal had a day to remember on 16 July 2025, signing a new contract until June 2031 and receiving the club’s legendary No.10 shirt. The 18-year-old forward, often seen as the future of Barcelona, now faces the challenge of carrying one of football’s most iconic numbers.
The Catalan club announced the number change on the same day the Rocafonda-born star signed his extension. Yamal posed proudly in his new shirt after completing the formalities alongside Barcelona president Joan Laporta. The No.10 became available after Ansu Fati’s move to Monaco, and Yamal is determined to make it his own for years to come.
“Messi Made His Path, I’ll Make Mine”
The weight of Barcelona’s No.10 jersey cannot be overstated, given its history with Lionel Messi. However, Yamal is keen to focus on writing his own story.
“Messi made his path, I’m going to make mine,” Yamal said in his first interview after signing the deal. “The No.10 comes from Ansu now. I’m grateful for the club’s confidence and I’ll try to continue the legacy.”
Read more from us: Bellingham Shoulder Surgery Rules Him Out for Three Months
When asked about criticism and expectations, Yamal stayed calm:
“Criticism and praise, unless it comes from my family or close people, is irrelevant. One day you’re very high, another day very low. This is a big step and the beginning of a path I hope will be full of victories.”
Yamal’s Ambitions: Champions League and World Cup
Looking forward to the 2025-26 season, Yamal is clear about his objectives. “I haven’t won the Champions League, so I want to win the Champions League and the World Cup,” he said. The forward also revealed that the coach congratulated him but reminded him of a double training session scheduled for the next day.
“I don’t feel any pressure,” Yamal added. “I’ll keep enjoying myself with another shirt number. In the end, I work for Barcelona and play for Barcelona, but when I leave the training ground, I live my life.”
Lamine Yamal now prepares to take center stage at the remodeled Spotify Camp Nou, aiming to bring glory to the club and create his own history in Barcelona colors.
Read more from us: Messi’s multi-goal streak ends as Cincinnati beats Miami 3-0
