Frank Christian
If the Barcelona No. 10 jersey could narrate its history, it would tell tales vibrant enough for a series on streaming. From the unparalleled flair of Maradona to Ronaldinho’s rhythmic dribbling, and the legendary reign of Lionel Messi, this shirt represents more than just fabric; it’s a legacy.
Now, entering this rich heritage is Lamine Yamal — a young talent not merely donning the No. 10, but embodying the confidence associated with it.
Having just celebrated his 18th birthday, Yamal has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading Barcelona’s football narrative. This isn’t a mere handout; it’s a significant hurdle to overcome.
Could the boy from Rocafonda outshine the Argentinian icon who dominated Camp Nou for over a decade, racking up 672 goals in 778 matches?
Or might the pressure of this iconic position be too much to bear?
This is far from a standard tale of a promising youth. This is a prodigious talent treading the same course as Messi — quite literally.
Both made their entrances to the professional stage as teenagers, both once wore No. 19 before assuming No. 10, and both hail from La Masia, exhibiting skills that seem to defy logic.
“Messi carved his path, and I will carve mine,” Yamal stated, showcasing both ambition and humility.
This equilibrium between self-assurance and modesty may very well be his greatest asset.
A photo for the books. pic.twitter.com/oCpCC3aHW1
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 16, 2025
History of Barcelona’s No. 10 Wearers
The tale of the No. 10 jersey at Barcelona is lengthy and storied, but it hasn’t always been graced by legends.
Before the introduction of fixed squad numbers by La Liga in 1995, the No. 10 merely indicated a playing position. Since then, the players who’ve worn it have often been considered the best the sport has seen.
Ronaldinho mesmerized fans between 2003 and 2008. Rivaldo scored goals from the most improbable circumstances. Romário was the epitome of precision. Diego Maradona… was simply Maradona. And Lionel Messi transformed the shirt into a powerful emblem.
Following Messi’s exit in 2021, Ansu Fati donned the jersey briefly but struggled to meet expectations, hampered by injuries and inconsistency.
Now, it’s Yamal’s turn. With an impressive tally of over 100 matches and 25 goals already, his statistics are remarkable — especially for someone still not old enough to rent a car in many places.
Let’s take a look at those who have represented Barcelona in the prestigious No. 10 jersey and who held it the longest.
| Players to wear the No. 10 | Time Period | Appearances |
|---|---|---|
| László Kubala | 1950–1961 | 357 |
| Luis Suárez Miramontes | 1960/61 | 176 |
| Evaristo de Macedo | 1957–1961 | 114 |
| Juan Manuel Asensi | 1978/79 (only that season) | 396 (entire Barça career) |
| Diego Maradona | 1982–1984 | 58 |
| Gary Lineker | 1986–1989 | 138 |
| Roberto Fernández | 1989/90 | 58 |
| Josep Guardiola | 1991/92 (briefly) | 47 (that season) |
| Guillermo Amor | 1992/93 | 567 (entire career) |
| Hristo Stoichkov | 1993/94 | 48 (that season) |
| Romário | 1993–1995 | 84 |
| Gheorghe Hagi | 1994/95 | 51 |
| Jordi Cruyff | 1994–1996 | 54 |
| Ángel Cuéllar | 1995/96 (2nd half) | 15 |
| Emmanuel Amunike | 1996/97 | 24 |
| Giovanni Silva | 1996–1999 | 108 |
| Jari Litmanen | 1999/00 | 32 |
| Rivaldo | 2000–2002 | 235 |
| Juan Román Riquelme | 2002/03 | 42 |
| Ronaldinho | 2003–2008 | 207 |
| Lionel Messi | 2008–2021 | 778 |
| Ansu Fati | 2021–2023, 2024/25 | 112 |
| Lamine Yamal | 2025/26 (poised to inherit) | 106 (as of July 2025) |
Note: Some of the appearance totals reflect complete Barcelona careers rather than solely during their tenure wearing No. 10 — those instances are highlighted. Lamine Yamal’s statistics are updated as of July 2025, with expectations of him taking on the prestigious No. 10 jersey in the 2025/26 season.
He made sure to capture this moment as well pic.twitter.com/C1Cp0MA7lN
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 17, 2025
Can Lamine Yamal surpass Lionel Messi’s record at Barcelona?
Barcelona is playing it safe. They’ve secured Yamal until 2031 with an impressive contract potentially worth up to €20 million annually.
The release clause? A staggering €1 billion. Indeed, that’s a billion with a “B” — the kind of figure attached to players you don’t want to lose to PSG.
On the field, he has already clinched La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the Supercopa, and European Championship glory with Spain.
In just the last season, he sprang into action with 18 goals and 25 assists. Not bad for someone who used to sneak onto the pitch in Mataró to compete against kids much larger than him.
However, even the top performers experience challenges. Yamal faced setbacks in 2025 during key matches against Inter in the Champions League semifinals and Portugal in the Nations League final. Nonetheless, his response spoke volumes — no outbursts, no pouting. Just unwavering focus.
He possesses a tranquil demeanor reminiscent of Messi, coupled with a drive similar to Ronaldo. A formidable combination, indeed.
Off the pitch, there have been distractions too. A birthday bash stirred some controversy, but Yamal handled it with the maturity of a seasoned veteran.
“I’m dedicated to Barca. Outside of the club, I live my life, and that’s all there is to it.”
It’s uncommon to see an 18-year-old manage fame and public scrutiny with this level of grace. Perhaps it’s due to his upbringing, supported by a practical father and a fiercely encouraging mother and grandmother, that keeps his feet grounded.
His goal celebration — a gesture representing “304” — pays tribute to his origins in Rocafonda, where it all began.
So, can Lamine Yamal genuinely break Lionel Messi’s record?
It’s premature to determine. Thirteen years at a single club is a lifetime in today’s football landscape. However, if anyone possesses the talent, mentality, and charisma to come close, it’s this player.
No, he hasn’t captured a Champions League trophy or a World Cup yet. But there’s no denying his ambition for both.
Most importantly, he’s not merely trying to replicate past legends. He’s crafting his own legacy. And history shows that at Barcelona, true legends don’t just follow paths — they forge their own.
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