Just three days after turning 18,&nbsp;Lamine Yamal&nbsp;received what may be the most symbolic gift a Barcelona player can hope for — the iconic&nbsp;No.10 shirt, worn in the past by legends such as&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a>, Ronaldinho, and Diego Maradona. The decision by the Blaugrana to pass the club’s most famous number to the young prodigy was bold, and, as events quickly proved,&nbsp;it paid off drastically.



Although comparisons to Messi are unavoidable, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lamine-yamal/">Yamal</a> himself has been modest about the expectations that come with the number.&nbsp;“I don’t compare myself to him because I don’t compare myself to anyone — and much less with Messi,”&nbsp;he said during the official presentation of his new kit.&nbsp;“Messi made his path and I will make mine.”



At just 18, Yamal has already played over&nbsp;100 matches for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/">Barcelona</a>, scored&nbsp;25 goals, and lifted&nbsp;two La Liga titles. His trophy cabinet also includes&nbsp;a Euro 2024 title&nbsp;with Spain — an international triumph that came just one day after his 17th birthday. He is widely tipped as&nbsp;a leading Ballon d’Or contender, especially after contributing to Barcelona’s&nbsp;domestic treble&nbsp;last season.



<h2>The shirt that changed everything</h2>



What followed Barcelona’s announcement of Yamal as their new No.10 was nothing short of historic. According to&nbsp;Sport, within just&nbsp;24 hours, over&nbsp;70,000 jerseys&nbsp;bearing Yamal’s name and new number were sold across&nbsp;more than 170 countries, generating&nbsp;nearly $11.6 million&nbsp;in revenue for the club.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true">She was there at La Masia. She’s still here now. Lamine Yamal’s grandmother, always by his side. 🥹😍 <a href="https://t.co/ug9pwhrVBZ">pic.twitter.com/ug9pwhrVBZ</a>— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1945795407210037356?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2025</a></blockquote></div>



Hundreds of fans&nbsp;queued outside the Camp Nou store, while&nbsp;thousands more ordered online, creating an instant commercial boom that not only delighted the club’s financial department but also&nbsp;validated a new marketing strategy. In a single day, Barcelona had their biggest merchandise push since Messi’s prime years — and possibly in their history.



Internally, the move is being hailed as&nbsp;“a masterstroke”, particularly by executives focused on Barcelona Licensing &amp; Merchandising (BLM). The success was no fluke — the club had fully prepared for the surge.&nbsp;Nike ensured stock was widely available, and a revamped e-commerce approach through new deals with&nbsp;Nike and Spotify&nbsp;provided a seamless purchasing experience for fans worldwide.



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="A SPECIAL DAY FOR LAMINE YAMAL 🔥 | FC Barcelona 🔵🔴" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CzWXyBmwKTc?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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<h2>Symbol of financial rebirth</h2>



For a club that has long battled financial instability, the rise of Yamal has become more than just a sporting phenomenon — it is&nbsp;an economic lifeline. Barcelona’s ability to capitalize on his stardom marks&nbsp;a strategic shift&nbsp;toward sustainability through branding and merchandising. The Yamal No.10 shirt is now seen as&nbsp;central to Barca’s global identity, and his recent contract extension until&nbsp;2031&nbsp;confirms the club’s intent to build around him for the long term.



“The change of the No.10 jersey is hailed internally as a masterstroke which opened a new source of income,” reported&nbsp;Sport. The Blaugrana are now targeting&nbsp;record BLM revenue&nbsp;for the 2025-26 campaign, hoping to use Yamal’s appeal as a cornerstone for further growth.

Barcelona turns Lionel Messi nostalgia into profit: Lamine Yamal’s No. 10 kit drives massive revenue in just 24 hours

Barcelona turns Lionel Messi nostalgia into profit: Lamine Yamal’s No. 10 kit drives massive revenue in just 24 hours - World Soccer Talk

destacadas

A new era is dawning at Barcelona—one marked by symbolism, legacy, and immense responsibility. This week, the Catalan club confirmed a move that stirred emotions across the soccer world:&nbsp;Lamine Yamal inherited <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a>’s historic No. 10 kit number. The weight of history now rests on the back of one of soccer’s most exciting young stars.



It’s a moment many anticipated, but few could truly prepare for. As <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/">Barcelona</a> continues its effort to rebuild around homegrown talent, the stage has now been set for a generational talent to lead the charge—under the most sacred number at Camp Nou.



On his 18th birthday, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lamine-yamal/">Lamine Yamal</a> officially took over the number 10 shirt—the jersey worn by legends like&nbsp;Ronaldinho, Diego Maradona, and, most famously,&nbsp;Lionel Messi, the man who transformed it into a global symbol.



Yamal, who already boasts&nbsp;over 100 appearances, 25 goals, and a&nbsp;domestic treble&nbsp;by the age of 18, did not take the moment lightly. “Messi made his own way, and I’m going to make mine,” he said confidently at the event held at Camp Nou.&nbsp;“The number 10 came from Ansu [Fati], and I want to carry it with pride.”



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="A SPECIAL DAY FOR LAMINE YAMAL 🔥 | FC Barcelona 🔵🔴" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CzWXyBmwKTc?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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This wasn’t just another shirt presentation. Those seven words—I want to carry it with pride—marked a ceremonial passing of the torch.



<h2>Humble beginnings, monumental aspirations</h2>



Yamal’s journey began in Mataro’s Rocafonda neighborhood, a background he honors every time he scores with a “304” gesture—his neighborhood’s postal code. Since debuting at just 15, he has smashed records left and right:&nbsp;youngest La Liga scorer, youngest Champions League starter, youngest El Clasico scorer, and&nbsp;youngest to win a major international tournament&nbsp;(Euro 2024 with Spain).



Yamal’s talent is matched by his mindset.&nbsp;“I left fear behind in the park in Mataro a while ago,”&nbsp;he said when asked if the pressure of the number 10 weighed on him.&nbsp;“We have to keep enjoying it above all, because when we’re enjoying ourselves, we’re much happier and we can win.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250717_WST_579708_messi-yamal-1200x675_0717c708.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="messi yamal" class="wp-image-543943" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/13055458/messi-yamal-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/13055458/messi-yamal-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/13055458/messi-yamal-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/13055458/messi-yamal-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/13055458/messi-yamal-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/13055458/messi-yamal-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/13055458/messi-yamal-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/13055458/messi-yamal.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Not another Messi—A legacy of his own</h2>



The comparisons to Messi are inevitable. Like Leo, Yamal is a&nbsp;left-footed right winger from La Masia, full of flair, dribbling skills, and devastating pace. But the teenager is quick to shut down any notions of imitation.&nbsp;“I don’t compare myself to him, or to anyone,”&nbsp;he reiterated.



Club president Joan Laporta emphasized the uniqueness of the moment during Yamal’s contract extension until 2031. “This is not just a football player; this is the future of Barcelona,” he stated.



The club celebrated the moment in grand fashion, unveiling murals in Mataró, filling the team store with&nbsp;over 20 mannequins wearing the new number 10 jersey, and sharing throwback images of the greats who once wore it.

New number, same ambition: Lamine Yamal’s seven-word response to Lionel Messi comparisons after taking over kit No. 10

New number, same ambition: Lamine Yamal’s seven-word response to Lionel Messi comparisons after taking over kit No. 10 - World Soccer Talk

As&nbsp;Barcelona’s post-<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a> era&nbsp;entered its full swing, the club turned to its next generation of stars to carry the torch. Among them,&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lamine-yamal/">Lamine Yamal</a>&nbsp;has shone brightest. At just 18 years old, the La Masia graduate has already become a key figure in both&nbsp;Barca’s tactical plans&nbsp;and global marketing efforts. But while fans rave about his flair, pace, and decision-making, there’s another fascinating way to trace his rise:&nbsp;through his kit numbers.



Each number tells a story—of beginnings, growth, milestones, and dreams.



<h2>First glimpse of greatness – Number 41</h2>



When Yamal made his senior debut on&nbsp;May 1, 2023, against Real Betis, he wore the humble&nbsp;number 41 jersey. Just&nbsp;15 years old, he was already setting records as the youngest player to feature in a La Liga match for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/">Barcelona</a>.



The appearance lasted only a few minutes—too brief for goals or assists—but the&nbsp;symbolism was powerful.&nbsp;“The number 41 was a reminder that he was still just a youth academy player, temporarily called up to the big stage,”&nbsp;wrote&nbsp;Diario AS.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250717_WST_579651_yamal-41-1200x675_71ad4618.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="yamal 41" class="wp-image-579659" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/07/17122634/yamal-41-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/07/17122634/yamal-41-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/07/17122634/yamal-41-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/07/17122634/yamal-41-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/07/17122634/yamal-41-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/07/17122634/yamal-41-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/07/17122634/yamal-41-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/07/17122634/yamal-41.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Still, that cameo was unforgettable. Yamal’s boldness and flair drew comparisons to past icons, despite his modest introduction. The&nbsp;41 jersey, typically reserved for players on the fringes,&nbsp;represented potential, a dream on the verge of becoming real.



<h2>Breaking through the ceiling – Number 27</h2>



By the&nbsp;2023-24 season, Yamal was no longer just a promising debutant. He became a regular presence in&nbsp;Xavi Hernandez’s squad, this time donning the&nbsp;number 27—still a reserve team number under LaLiga rules, but a clear step up.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250717_WST_579651_yamal-27-1200x675_89528090.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="yamal 27" class="wp-image-579658" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/07/17122623/yamal-27-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/07/17122623/yamal-27-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/07/17122623/yamal-27-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/07/17122623/yamal-27-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/07/17122623/yamal-27-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/07/17122623/yamal-27-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/07/17122623/yamal-27-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/07/17122623/yamal-27.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Under this number, he blossomed:



<ul><li>50 total appearances</li><li>Seven goals and nine assists</li><li>Nearly&nbsp;3,000 minutes&nbsp;on the pitch</li><li>Standout performances in&nbsp;La Liga, Champions League, and domestic cups</li></ul>



This number was more than a numerical change—it marked the shift from “La Masia promise” to&nbsp;first-team contributor. Yamal had arrived on the European stage.



<h2>Coming of age – Number 19</h2>



For the&nbsp;2024-25 campaign, Barcelona officially handed Yamal the&nbsp;number 19 jersey, a number once worn by&nbsp;Messi himself, as well as&nbsp;Dani Alves&nbsp;and&nbsp;Ferran Torres. The change marked&nbsp;Yamal’s full promotion to the senior squad.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250717_WST_579651_lamine-yamal-fc-barcelona-5-1200x675_4801b71a.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-572587" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/03130355/lamine-yamal-fc-barcelona-5-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/03130355/lamine-yamal-fc-barcelona-5-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/03130355/lamine-yamal-fc-barcelona-5-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/03130355/lamine-yamal-fc-barcelona-5-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/03130355/lamine-yamal-fc-barcelona-5-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/03130355/lamine-yamal-fc-barcelona-5-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/03130355/lamine-yamal-fc-barcelona-5-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/03130355/lamine-yamal-fc-barcelona-5.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



With it came staggering numbers:



<ul><li>55 total appearances</li><li>18 goals and 25 assists</li><li>Over&nbsp;4,500 minutes played</li><li>Crucial contributions across&nbsp;La Liga, Champions League, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa</li></ul>



It was also the season when&nbsp;shirt sales bearing Yamal’s name soared, and his brand took off. At&nbsp;17 years old, he was no longer a prospect—he was the club’s present and future.



<h2>Heir to the throne – Number 10</h2>



Then came the moment that truly changed everything. In&nbsp;July 2025, the Blaugrana made it official:&nbsp;Lamine Yamal, now 18, would wear the iconic number 10 shirt. Once belonging to legends like&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/diego-maradona/">Diego Maradona</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/ronaldinho/">Ronaldinho</a>, and most famously&nbsp;Lionel Messi, it was now the number of a boy from La Masia with a dream.



The club’s social media announcement was simple yet powerful:&nbsp;“Our 10.”



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="🔥HOW LAMINE YAMAL BECAME FC BARCELONA&apos;s NEW NUMBER 10 | SKILLS, GOALS &amp; ASSISTS🔵🔴🔥" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r2vyIGnOdQY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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In an emotional Instagram video, Yamal shared a special moment with his younger brother Keyne. As Keyne painted number 10 shirts of past legends, Yamal said: “Just playing well isn’t enough to wear this shirt… some made history… others had fun playing… and this one [pointing to Messi’s shirt], this is the best I’ve ever seen.”



Then, looking at his own painted shirt, he made a promise: “I’m going to give it my all. I promise you I’m going to make my own history.”



For a generation that grew up idolizing Messi, this was a passing of the torch. The number 10 wasn’t just symbolic. It meant&nbsp;responsibility, legacy, pressure, and greatness.



<h2>The journey in numbers</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><thead><tr><td>Kit Number</td><td>Season(s)</td><td>Appearances</td><td>Goals</td><td>Assists</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>41</td><td>2022-23</td><td>1 (debut)</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>27</td><td>2023-24</td><td>50</td><td>7</td><td>9</td></tr><tr><td>19</td><td>2024-25</td><td>55</td><td>18</td><td>25</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

Following the footsteps of Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho, and Lionel Messi: Lamine Yamal’s stats by kit number at Barcelona

Following the footsteps of Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho, and Lionel Messi: Lamine Yamal's stats by kit number at Barcelona - World Soccer Talk

Manchester City unveiled its new 2024-25 season home kit with a unique twist: a custom font designed by Noel Gallagher. The new jersey is already causing a stir among fans and critics alike due to its distinctive design choices.



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-city-tv-schedule/">Manchester Cit</a>y are aiming to maintain is incredible domination in the next season, after a fourth straight Premier League triumph. The team secured the title with 91 points, narrowly edging out Arsenal by two points. The new kit is part of the club’s ongoing efforts to refresh its visual identity, reflecting its status as one of the top clubs in Europe.



In a bizarre collaboration, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/city-to-mark-special-milestone-with-2024-25-oasis-themed-kit/">Noel Gallagher</a>, City’s supporter and ex-Oasis guitarist has lent his <a href="https://www.mancity.com/news/club/man-city-noel-gallagher-club-font-63854300" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">personal touch to the new kit</a>. Gallagher has designed the font that will feature on the backs of the players’ shirts in Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup matches. This custom font, based on the musician’s handwriting, has a playful, almost cartoonish quality. Thus, it has drawn comparisons to the widely mocked Comic Sans font.



<h2>How have fans reacted to the kit?</h2>



By posting a screenshot of someone writing on paper, City hinted at Gallagher’s participation on social media. However, many people are unhappy since the typeface looks so much like Microsoft’s original Comic Sans font.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240620_WST_512618_Gallagher-CIty-1200x670_7fd356bf.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-512639" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Gallagher-CIty-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Gallagher-CIty-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Gallagher-CIty-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Gallagher-CIty.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



The new font has polarized opinions among the Citizens’ supporters and the wider soccer community. Some fans appreciate the unique, personal touch that Gallagher’s involvement brings, while others have been quick to ridicule the design. <a href="https://x.com/ManCity/status/1803321825189040224" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Comments on social media have ranged</a> from calling it a nostalgic throwback reminiscent of the 90s cartoon “Rugrats,” to more blunt critiques suggesting it looks like the work of a child with a marker pen.



In addition to the new font, the kit features the ‘0161’ dialing code for Manchester prominently displayed. This detail is a nod to the local area and aims to reinforce the club’s connection to its roots. The dialing code is integrated into the darker blue edging on the collar and sleeves of the sky-blue shirt. It provides a subtle yet distinctive element to the overall design.



<h2>Will City use new font in the Premier League?</h2>



Manchester City’s decision to collaborate with Gallagher is part of a broader trend among clubs experimenting with visual identities. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> recently collaborated with fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto. His brushstroke-inspired font for player names and numbers pays homage to Japanese art. Such collaborations reflect a shift towards more artistic and unconventional designs, aimed at standing out in a crowded market.



It’s worth noting that the new font will not be used in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> matches, where a standardized font is mandated. Instead, fans will see Gallagher’s handwriting on the shirts during European and domestic cup competitions. This selective use underscores the club’s strategy to differentiate its appearance on different stages, creating a unique identity for various tournaments.



PHOTOS: IMAGO

Outrage erupts over Noel Gallagher Manchester City kit collab

Manchester City unveiled their new 2024-25 season home kit with a unique twist: a custom font designed by Noel Gallagher.

In honor of Mother’s Day this weekend, several Serie A teams will switch the names on their players’ jerseys. In effort to honor both sets of parents, the jerseys will include the mothers’ last names (i.e. maiden names) rather than the fathers’.



This year, it’s for more than just Mother’s Day in Italy; it’s also the five-year anniversary of a ruling by Italy’s Constitutional Court that changed the country’s laws in April 2017. 



Before that, each child in Italy was legally required to take their father’s last name at birth.



However, the country’s highest court deemed this practice illegal. So, now both parents must mutually agree upon the choice of last name at birth. Only six clubs—<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/ac-milan-tv-schedule/">AC Milan</a>, Cagliari, Genoa, Lecce, Torino, Verona, and Udinese—will be able to take part in the initiative. 



What’s more, it will sadly only be valid for this weekend. <a href="https://www.pazzidifanta.com/news-fantacalcio/festa-della-mamma-nomi-maglia-serie-a-news-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sky Italia</a> reports that other Serie A teams were hoping to participate as well. However, the league’s governing body announced it too late, leaving them little time to organize it.



<h2>Two of four USMNT stars to participate</h2>



Serie A boasts as many as four <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/usmnt-tv-schedule/">USMNT</a> starters, but only two of them will get to take part in this admirable initiative. Being that Juventus did not have sufficient time to prepare their resources, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/potter-once-again-linked-to-milan-what-does-it-mean-for-pulisic/">Christian Pulisic</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/milan-thank-pulisic-and-musah-for-growth-of-popularity-in-usa-20231119-WST-471386.html">Yunus Musah</a> will take part.



In Saturday’s home game against Cagliari, Milan will be looking to get closer to securing second place in the league. This is the second-to-last home game of the season for the Rossoneri. This whole thing started with them, who supposedly pitched the idea to other teams.



During the game, Pulisic will wear a jersey that says ‘Harlow’, while Musah will take on ‘Abubakari’. Other club superstars like Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leao will also be sporting kits with the words ‘Viviane’ and ‘Conceicao’ printed on their backs.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.milanismo.it/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240511_WST_506126_ac-milan-players-mothers-last-names_dc358501.webp&amp;width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-506129" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/ac-milan-players-mothers-last-names.jpg 1080w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/ac-milan-players-mothers-last-names-300x300.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/ac-milan-players-mothers-last-names-150x150.jpg 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/ac-milan-players-mothers-last-names-768x768.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px"></figure></a><figcaption>Photo credit: Milanismo</figcaption></figure>



<h2>What did AC Milan say?</h2>



“We are happy and proud of this initiative, born on a special occasion like Mother’s Day to raise public awareness about the equal right to choose the surname of one’s children. We are equally pleased with the attention and enthusiasm with which it has been welcomed by Lega Serie A and the participation of several other clubs in our league.



“An operation in line with AC Milan’s vision, which has always promoted positive values, such as social and gender equality, to contribute to a common and shared cultural change”, <a href="https://www.acmilan.com/en/news/articles/club/2024-05-10/ac-milan-takes-the-field-with-maternal-surname-for-the-right-to-personal-identity" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milan CEO Giorgio Furlani said</a>.



Meanwhile, the American duo’s captain, Davide Calabria added: “In my personal and professional growth, my mother has been the most important person. She sacrificed everything for me, teaching me the spirit of sacrifice and dedication. Wearing her surname on the field this weekend will be a great source of pride for me.”



Valentina Bergamaschi, the Rossoneri women’s captain also said: “My mother is the most important woman in my life. I am proud to represent a Club that, on such a special day, chooses to raise awareness about important issues like the freedom to choose children’s surnames. Gender equality also extends to such things.”



Photo credit: IMAGO / Goal Sports Images

Pulisic and Musah to don different names on Milan kits

In honor of Italy's Mother's Day this weekend, several Serie A teams will be switching around the names on their players' jerseys.

Pulisic and Musah to don different names on Milan kits - World Soccer Talk

Chelsea hoped for a shirt sponsor from American streaming service Paramount+. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/paramount-sponsoring-inter-milan-shirt-for-last-two-games-20230602-WST-435842.html">Inter Milan donned the service’s logo</a> on the front of its shirt during the UEFA Champions League Final. However, due to concerns of damaging the Premier League’s relationship with current broadcast partners, the league barred the sponsorship deal from happening. 



Chelsea hoped to complete a deal where Paramount would pay a massive fee to put its logo on Chelsea’s kit. There was no reported fee for how much it paid to be on Inter Milan’s kit at the end of the 2022/23 campaign. However, talks between Paramount+ and Chelsea were at an advanced stage for a deal, according to the Daily Mail. 



Even though Paramount+ does not broadcast soccer in England, the league thought BT Sport and Sky Sports would not be overly thrilled with this deal. Still, Paramount+ is not a direct competitor to those. It is, however, to NBC and Peacock for American audiences. NBC signed a massive <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/nbc-wins-premier-league-rights-through-2027-28-20211118-CMS-356238.html">six-year contract</a> with the Premier League worth $2.6 billion. Peacock is a direct competitor to Paramount+. In addition to broadcasting live sports, both have ample entertainment options. Perhaps that impacted the deal with the Premier League and CBS.



The Premier League cited the Deed of License as its reason to shut down the deal. That covers several facets of media and licensing rights with Premier League clubs. Still, the move to stop the agreement surprised Chelsea, which is now scrambling for a sponsor.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">❌ Chelsea have been refused permission to sign a shirt sponsorship deal with Paramount Plus by the Premier League due to concerns it that it would cause issues with the league’s broadcast partners.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChelseaFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChelseaFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/fnzg911NkG">pic.twitter.com/fnzg911NkG</a>— We&apos;ve Won It All (@cfcwonitall) <a href="https://twitter.com/cfcwonitall/status/1670718065573605378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Chelsea needed Paramount+ as a shirt sponsor</h2>



The club’s deal with Three, a phone and internet service provider, expired at the end of the 2022/23 campaign. Rather than re-upping its deal, Three wanted to move away from Chelsea as a result of the club’s connection to Roman Abramovich. Even though the Russian billionaire sold the club to American Todd Boehly, Three is still ready to move on.



Now that the Paramount+ shirt sponsor fell through, Chelsea requires a replacement. Some of the contenders are familiar faces when it comes to kits. The leading candidate now is Stake, an online betting company. The main issue with this is that <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/premier-league-teams-ban-betting-sponsors-on-jerseys-20230413-WST-428305.html">betting sponsorships are going to be banned</a> beginning with the 2026/27 season. That means any deal with Stake could last just three seasons. 



Allianz, which is a principal sponsor of Bayern Munich, is also a candidate. Regardless, Stake appears to be the leader for the race to Chelsea’s main kit sponsor.



PHOTO: IMAGO / Sebastian Frej

Chelsea had hopes for a shirt sponsor from American subscription service Paramount+. Inter Milan donned the service's logo recently.

Premier League stops Chelsea Paramount+ shirt sponsor deal

During the last two <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/inter-milan-tv-schedule/">Inter Milan</a> games of the 2022/23 campaign, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/paramount-plus-2/">Paramount+</a> logo will feature on the front of the shirt. CBS’s paid streaming service is the home of both <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/serie-a-tv-schedule/">Serie A</a> and the UEFA Champions League for American audiences. With a game against Torino in the Serie A finale this weekend, this means viewers in the United States will see the Paramount+ logo while watching on Paramount+.



However, on a larger scale, the Paramount+ logo will be on the shirt for Inter in the UEFA Champions League Final. Again, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">Champions League TV schedule</a> this season almost exclusively ran through Paramount+. While the Final itself is on both CBS and Paramount+, it is still somewhat strange to see an American broadcast company’s logo on a shirt. This would equate to the Peacock logo on the Arsenal kit or Atletico Madrid showing ESPN on its kit.



Of course, Paramount+ is not solely available for American audiences. The service launched in Italy less than a year ago. It does not have any soccer content, yet. For example, Champions League coverage belongs to Amazon, Sky Sports and Mediaset. That being said, the service launched in September 2022 with <a href="https://www.paramount.com/press/paramount-arrives-in-italy-with-unbeatable-offering-combining-strong-slate-of-italian-series-and-movies-with-exclusive-global-originals">over 8,000 hours</a> of content. That was all movies, TV shows and general entertainment that American users of Paramount+ also get.




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<h2>Paramount+ prevents blank shirt for Inter Milan</h2>



For the last several weeks, Inter has played with a blank shirt. The club’s initial sponsor was DigitalBits, a cryptocurrency company. However, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/explained-why-inter-roma-dropping-sponsor-digitalbits-from-front-of-shirts-blockchain-company-fails-make-payments/bltcde9f8f5c9880779" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">missed payments on that sponsorship</a> forced Inter to redact the logo from its shirt. Therefore, in the UEFA Champions League semifinals, Coppa Italia Final and recent Serie A games, Inter had no sponsor on the front of its shirt.



Inter is not the only club in Italy to have this issue. Roma replaced DigitalBits with the city’s historical abbreviation “SPQR,” an homage to the ancient Roman Republic. Inter Milan signed a three-year deal with DigitalBits in a deal worth around $50 million.



Paramount+ may be based out of the United States. Still, it took the likely opportune moment to get a discounted rate on a major club’s shirt. Unfortunately, there is no current information on how much Paramount is paying for this. While it is only for two games, one of those is Inter’s biggest game in 13 years. It would be interesting to see the Paramount+ logo in historical photos of this game down the road.

During the last two Inter Milan games of the 2022/23 campaign, the Paramount+ logo will feature on the front of the shirt.

Paramount+ sponsoring Inter Milan shirt for last two games

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