Lamine Yamal Becomes Barcelona’s New No. 10

Barcelona has officially handed the No. 10 shirt to 18-year-old Lamine Yamal, following his request to announce the change after his 18th birthday and Ansu Fati's loan to Monaco. Yamal, who helped the club win a domestic treble and contributed to Spain's Euro 2024 victory, also signed a contract extension until 2031 that includes a €1 billion release clause. The club emphasized the shirt's legacy, previously worn by Messi, Ronaldinho, and Maradona, while Yamal expressed his desire to honor their achievements and build his own legacy. The announcement was slightly overshadowed by a government investigation into alleged exploitation of entertainers at Yamal's birthday party. Despite the off-field controversy, Barcelona and its fans view Yamal as a key figure for the club's future. The No. 10 handover marks a symbolic new era for Barcelona.