Lamine Yamal handed Barcelona’s iconic No. 10 shirt — to be unveiled on 13 July

Barcelona are preparing to hand over their iconic No. 10 shirt to the rising star of the new generation, Lamine Yamal. According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, known for its close ties to the club, the shirt — soon to be vacated by Ansu Fati — has already been reserved internally for Yamal.

Decision made: the No. 10 shirt entrusted to Yamal

Barcelona’s management is now fully committed to giving the No. 10 shirt to Lamine Yamal. According to Mundo Deportivo, the club plans to announce the decision on 13 July, the day Yamal turns 18. The same day marks the start of Barcelona’s pre-season camp — where Yamal will debut the No. 10 shirt publicly for the first time.

Fati departs: Romano confirms the details

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Ansu Fati will join Monaco on loan, with a buy option included in the deal. Medical tests are expected to take place this week, and Fati is expected to travel to France shortly. Fati had inherited the No. 10 shirt following Lionel Messi’s departure in 2021, but recurring injuries and inconsistent form limited his ability to fully establish himself in the role.

Yamal dazzles on the pitch — and now carries the symbol

Seventeen-year-old Lamine Yamal delivered a remarkable performance this season, featuring in 55 matches across all competitions for Barcelona, scoring 18 goals and providing 25 assists.

While his primary position is on the right wing, he can operate effectively across the entire front line. When positioned wide, he excels in one-on-one situations; when cutting inside, he builds passing links and directs play.

He maintains composure with the ball, makes quick yet calm decisions, and can draw defenders to create space. When the opportunity arises, he can disrupt defensive shape with a single movement.

His technical skill, balance, and vision are far beyond his years. Although not yet fully developed physically, his agility and body control give him the edge over most defenders.

Yamal is more than just a talent — he’s a tactical problem-solver. That a 17-year-old carries such weight is a rare asset, not just for Barcelona but for the evolving identity of Spanish football itself.

International glory and rise in Europe

He earned his first senior Spain cap in September 2023. Since then, he has represented the national team 21 times and scored 6 goals. At EURO 2024, Yamal emerged as one of the youngest stars of the tournament and played a key role in his country’s championship triumph.

A new era: the weight and meaning of the No. 10 shirt

The No. 10 shirt at Barcelona carries more than just numerical value — it is a matter of character. Wearing this shirt means dictating the pace of the game and injecting hope into the stands. In the past, legendary names such as Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, and, going even further back, Diego Maradona, bore this responsibility. Now, this tradition will continue with Lamine Yamal, the face of a new era.