In this article, BraeckBall will explore why is Yamal number 10 at FC Barcelona — what it means, how it came about, and what he faces stepping into this legendary role., let’s dive in.
The moment of change: how Yamal got the No. 10
Lamine Yamal, the rising star from Barça’s La Masia, officially became Barcelona’s No. 10 starting with the 2025-26 season. The announcement came on the day he turned 18, when Barcelona presented him with the legendary shirt, tying him to Barça until 2031. The number was left vacant after Ansu Fati, who had inherited it following Lionel Messi’s departure in21, went on loan to AS Monaco.
Why that number matters: the legacy and symbolism
The shirt number 10 at Barcelona is not just a number—it’s a crown. It has been worn by some of the greatest footballers in history: Messi, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Diego Maradona, and more. When Barça hands that shirt to someone, it is a signal of faith, responsibility, and expectation.
For Yamal, this is a moment of recognition: after a breakthrough season where he scored 18 goals and registered 25 assists across all competitions, helping Barcelona win a domestic treble, the club decided that he’s ready not just to fill the shirt, but to lead.
What the responsibilities are: what Yamal inherits and what he must show
Taking the No. 10 means more than changing digits on your back. Here are what’s expected and what Yamal needs to live up to:
- Performance & consistency: The 10 carries an expectation to make things happen—goals, assists, decisive moments. Yamal’s last season put him in the conversation. Now, consistency will be key.
- Creativity & leadership: Past No. 10s were often the creative core—playmaking, game changing, inspiring teammates. Yamal must show not just skill, but vision.
- Mental strength & handling pressure: Comparisons to Messi or Ronaldinho are inevitable. The legacy looms large. Yamal has publicly said he wants to “make his own path,” but public expectations will follow.
- Club trust: The contract until 2031 indicates Barca’s commitment to Yamal. By giving him No. 10 now, instead of waiting, they show they believe he’s ready.
What led up to this decision: the build-up
There are several elements that built the case for Yamal becoming Barça’s No. 10:
- European and domestic success: In 2024-25, his stats were among the best for a young player. Barcelona won La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup; they also made a deep run in the Champions League.
- Vacant number: After Messi’s departure, Ansu Fati took the mantle of No. 10, but when his loan move happened, the slot opened. Barca moved to assign it to someone else who could carry the legacy.
- Youth identity & La Masia tradition: Barcelona often holds pride in giving homegrown talents their shot. This is aligned with their philosophies. Yamal has come through the ranks. Giving him No. 10 underlines that philosophy.
- Commercial & marketing angle: The No. 10 is one of the most marketable numbers in football. Shirt sales, global recognition, brand identity—all part of the picture. That said, it also comes with scrutiny.
Risks & challenges
Stepping into Messi’s old shirt isn’t easy. Some of the challenges Yamal will face:
- Comparisons: Fans and media will compare him to Messi, Ronaldinho, etc. Even though every player is different, expectations often follow the number.
- Media pressure & criticism: Slumps, mistakes, dropping form—all more magnified when you wear a legendary number. Yamal must develop resilience.
- Team dynamics & role clarity: No. 10 sometimes implies central role in attack or playmaking. Yamal plays as a winger; Barca’s tactical setup has to allow him to shine while respecting what the number demands.
- Sustaining growth & avoiding burnout: He’s still very young. Physical and mental workload must be managed to avoid injuries or slowing down.
What this means for Barcelona
This decision has implications beyond Yamal:
- It signals a shift into a new era—for Barca, for fans, for how they build the team.
- It boosts morale among La Masia graduates: young players see that top-level responsibility and legacy can be passed down rather than bought.
- It places Yamal as one of the central figures of the club’s long-term project, both on the pitch and in terms of identity.
Conclusion
The choice to make Yamal the No. 10 is a bold statement: Barcelona believe in his talent, character, and potential to carry on the legacy of one of football’s most revered shirt numbers. The decision came alongside a long-term contract and followed a season of exceptional performance, showing that this isn’t symbolic alone—it’s well earned.
For you, the fan wondering “why is Yamal number 10”, now you know: it’s a mix of heritage, expectation, performance, and faith.
Want to stay ahead of the story? Keep following BraeckBall for updates on how Yamal performs this season, how he handles pressure, and whether he can truly carve his own legacy in the iconic No. 10 shirt.
