Barcelona Extends Lamine Yamal Contract, Names New No 10

Lamine Yamal, Barcelona's 18-year-old forward, has been officially named the club's new number 10, a jersey famously worn by legends like Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho, and Lionel Messi. Having extended his contract until 2031, Yamal expressed his deep connection to the club, calling Barcelona "the club of my life" and emphasizing his focus on enjoying football and winning titles, including the Champions League and the World Cup. He acknowledged the significance of inheriting the number 10 shirt and stated his intention to follow his own path while honoring the legacy of past greats. Despite recent criticism over his off-field behavior, Yamal dismissed external opinions that do not come from his close circle, focusing instead on his career and personal growth. The announcement was emotionally significant, with Yamal ensuring his grandmother could attend the ceremony, and he expressed eagerness to perform in front of Barcelona's fans at the new Camp Nou. Overall, Yamal's renewal and number assignment mark him as a central figure in Barcelona's future ambitions.