Lamine Yamal continues his rise, set to follow Lionel Messi’s footsteps at Barcelona next season

Lamine Yamal’s rise over the past season has been nothing short of meteoric. With standout performances across all competitions for FC Barcelona, the 17-year-old has established himself as one of the brightest young stars in world soccer. Now, he’s reportedly set to follow in Lionel Messi’s iconic footsteps heading into next season.

Comparisons between Yamal and Messi are inevitable—both possess exceptional technical skill, vision, and the ability to impact games at a young age. With each step in his development, Yamal continues to draw parallels to the Argentine legend, and his next move only deepens the connection.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Yamal will wear Barcelona’s No. 10 shirt starting with the 2025–26 season. The iconic number, previously worn by club greats such as Michael Laudrup, Rivaldo, Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho, and most famously Messi, now carries a new name—Yamal’s.

Yamal had long been rumored to take over the No. 10 shirt as the club’s next generational talent. That path became clearer following Ansu Fati’s loan move to Monaco. Fati, once tipped to be Messi’s heir, inherited the number after Messi’s departure but struggled to make an impact due to recurring injuries.

Fans are still waiting for the official confirmation. Barcelona will unveil their new home kit on July 2, and with a special event planned for July 13—Yamal’s birthday—the timing for the first images of him in the No. 10 jersey remains uncertain.

Yamal takes on the No. 10 challenge

When the 2025–26 season begins, Yamal will be 18 and tasked with more than just leading Barcelona on the pitch. He’ll carry the legacy and pressure that comes with the No. 10 shirt—once the symbol of Messi’s unmatched era at the club. Still, Barca’s coaching staff and front office have full confidence in Yamal’s maturity and talent.

Messi inherited the No. 10 from Ronaldinho ahead of the 2008–09 campaign, after the Brazilian moved to AC Milan. At just 21 years old, Messi wore the shirt for the first time on August 3, 2008, and never looked back—holding it for 13 straight seasons.

With the 10 on his back, Messi scored an astonishing 630 goals for Barcelona, setting a standard that may never be matched. Yamal, who has publicly said he hopes to spend his entire career at Barcelona, now takes on that legacy. The challenge is enormous—but so is the potential.