FC Barcelona is enjoying one of its most promising seasons since the departure of club icon Lionel Messi, with Hansi Flick guiding a new wave of young talent to the highest level of competition. Among them, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has emerged as a legitimate candidate to inherit the club’s legendary No. 10 shirt—a number previously worn by Messi and Ronaldinho.
According to Fabrizio Romano via his LiveHereWeGo Instagram, if Ansu Fati leaves this summer, Yamal is in line to take the iconic number. “Revealed: Lamine Yamal getting the 10 jersey number next season is possible,” Romano reported, citing Diario Sport. “This is a concrete scenario with Ansu likely to leave in the summer.”
While many fans expected the number to go to a playmaker like Pedri or a seasoned performer like Dani Olmo, others believed Raphinha—currently enjoying a career-best season and even receiving Ballon d’Or buzz—was the logical heir. The Brazilian winger has shown leadership and resilience throughout the campaign, attributes often associated with those who wear the No. 10.
Still, some see Yamal as better suited to the No. 7 or 11—numbers traditionally reserved for dynamic, flashy attackers with flair and creativity, much like Neymar in his prime. His style of soccer play already evokes memories of the Brazilian superstar.
Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona looks on during the LaLiga match between FC Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano.
Ronaldinho endorses Yamal’s talent
Support from club legends also carries weight in such decisions, and few voices are more iconic than Ronaldinho’s. The Brazilian great recently praised Yamal’s potential while offering a word of caution.
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“He’s a precocious talent. I love watching him because of his creativity,” Ronaldinho told L’Équipe. “But he needs to prove over time that he’s doing the right things.” Still, the Barça legend didn’t hold back in his expectations: “He’ll be a superstar. The next Ballon d’Or, for sure.” Yamal’s stock continues to rise after winning the 2024 Young Player of the Season award, further cementing his case to wear the No. 10.
Flick’s stance on Ansu Fati’s future
Despite speculation about his departure, Ansu Fati is still part of Barcelona’s plans—for now. Head coach Hansi Flick recently addressed the forward’s situation and praised his efforts in training.
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“We’ll see,” Flick said in a press conference. “We have to consider the entire team and assess how everyone is performing, both on the pitch and the bench. I can’t guarantee minutes, but based on his recent training, he’s showing improvement.” As Barça eyes a new era, the symbolic passing of the No. 10 shirt could soon mark a changing of the guard—from Messi to Yamal.
