Barcelona’s rising star is finally living up to the pressure of wearing Lionel Messi’s legendary number 10 jersey. With strong performances and growing confidence, fans are beginning to believe he could be the next big name at Camp Nou.
The Legacy of the Number 10 Shirt at Barcelona

The number 10 jersey at FC Barcelona is one of the most famous shirts in football history. It became legendary because of Lionel Messi, who wore it from the 2008–09 season until the 2020–21 season. During these years, Messi broke many records and won countless trophies for the club. He became known as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Because of this, wearing the number 10 after him is not an easy task.
Before Messi, the jersey was already special. Other legends like Ronaldinho, Juan Roman Riquelme, and Rivaldo also wore the number 10. Each of them added something special to Barcelona’s history. So, when Messi left the club, fans were eager to see who would carry on the tradition of greatness in that shirt.
Ansu Fati’s Struggles Under Pressure

In the 2021–22 season, young talent Ansu Fati was given the number 10 jersey. At that time, many believed he could become the next big star at Barcelona. He had already shown flashes of brilliance and scored important goals. It seemed like a smart decision.
However, things did not go as expected. Fati faced many injuries that kept him off the field for long periods. He could not play regularly or show his best form. Because of his physical struggles, he went on loan to Brighton in the Premier League. Although he is now back at Barcelona, he has only played 11 matches this season. For a player wearing the number 10 shirt, this is very unusual.
Lamine Yamal – The ‘New Messi’ Steps Up

Now, things might change. Several European media outlets are reporting that Lamine Yamal, a 17-year-old rising star, will wear the number 10 jersey next season. Many fans and experts are calling him the “new Messi” because of his amazing skills and confidence on the field.
Yamal’s performances this season have been incredible. He has scored 18 goals and provided 25 assists in 54 matches for Barcelona. At just 17, he has already helped the team win the La Liga title, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. His maturity and consistency at such a young age have impressed everyone.
There is already talk that Yamal could be a future Ballon d’Or winner. Many fans believe he is the best young player in the world right now. It seems that the famous number 10 shirt has finally found a worthy player again.
A Bright Future for Barcelona
Barcelona has been looking for a new star to lead the team since Messi left. After some difficult seasons, it looks like Lamine Yamal might be the answer. His talent, focus, and love for the club make him the perfect fit for the number 10 shirt.
If he continues to grow and stay healthy, Yamal could write a new chapter in the club’s history. The pressure of wearing Messi’s old shirt is huge, but so far, Yamal seems ready for the challenge. Fans are hopeful that with Yamal, Barcelona’s future is in good hands.
Conclusion
After years of searching, Barcelona may finally have found the next star to carry on the number 10 legacy. Lamine Yamal, full of promise and already delivering big performances, looks ready to wear the iconic jersey with pride.