Is Lamine Yamal the New Face of Barcelona with the No. 10 Jersey?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Lamine Yamal presented with No. 10 jersey.
- Contract extension until 2031.
- Successor to Messi and other legends.
- Controversy regarding birthday celebrations.
- Key player for both Barcelona and Spain.
New Delhi, July 16 (NationPress) The rising star of Barcelona, Lamine Yamal, has officially been presented with the prestigious No. 10 jersey, a number that carries the legacy of the legendary Lionel Messi. This announcement was made public on Wednesday by the club.
The 18-year-old, who just celebrated his birthday last Sunday, takes over this iconic number from Ansu Fati, who has recently joined AS Monaco on a season-long loan. Yamal's promotion to this symbolic jersey happens shortly after reports emerged about a government investigation regarding alleged breaches of disability laws linked to his birthday festivities. The inquiry focuses on claims that entertainers with dwarfism were hired for his party, an issue that is currently under review.
The club revealed the No. 10 announcement during a private gathering with Yamal and his family to commemorate his new contract, which secures his future at Camp Nou until 2031.
Yamal joins a prestigious list of players who have donned the No. 10 for Barça, including legends such as Messi, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Romário, and Diego Maradona. His recent social media activity, which included images of Maradona, Ronaldinho, and Messi in the Barça No. 10 shirt, ignited fan excitement that has now been officially confirmed.
Messi famously held this number from 2008 to 2021, a period during which he cemented his status as the club's greatest player. Following his exit, Ansu Fati inherited the number but faced challenges with injuries and inconsistency, paving the way for Yamal's rise.
Since making his debut in the 2022-23 season wearing the No. 41, Yamal has quickly become a key player for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team. He subsequently wore the No. 27 and then No. 19, which is notably the same number Messi wore before transitioning to No. 10.
Yamal has already logged 106 appearances and scored 25 goals for Barcelona, contributing to the team's victories in two LaLiga titles, a Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Supercopa. He was also instrumental in Spain's triumph at the UEFA Euro 2024 earlier this summer, showcasing his talent and composure on the international stage.