The announcement was made on Wednesday, just after Yamal celebrated his 18th birthday. The rising star now takes over from Ansu Fati, who had held the number since Messi’s departure in 2021 but has since joined AS Monaco on loan.
Speaking at the official unveiling, which also celebrated his contract extension until 2031, Yamal said: “As a child, my dream was to debut for Barça and play with the No. 10. Messi made his path, and now it’s my turn to make mine.”
Yamal has quickly become one of Barcelona’s key players since debuting in the 2022–23 season. He previously wore numbers 41, 27, and 19 – the same number Messi wore before inheriting the 10. Now, Yamal becomes the latest to carry the weight of the club’s most iconic shirt.
Despite his age, he’s already made over 100 appearances, scored 25 goals for Barcelona, and played a vital role for the Spanish national team. He helped Spain win the UEFA European Championship and has two La Liga titles, a Copa del Rey, and a Supercopa under his belt.
The announcement comes amid media attention around his birthday party, where an investigation is underway into alleged disability rights violations after reports claimed people with dwarfism were hired as entertainers. Yamal has not commented on the issue but remains focused on football.
“I don’t pay much attention to criticism or praise unless it comes from my family or close circle,” he said. “I’m focused on what I want and that’s winning the Champions League and the World Cup.”
Now wearing the No. 10, Yamal steps into the spotlight with the ambition to write his own story in Barcelona’s rich history.