Yamal handed iconic Barcelona No 10 jersey
Teen says he will not be 'weighed down' by legacy of famous shirt
Barcelona's electric 18-year-old winger Lamine Yamal has been handed the famous No 10 shirt previously worn by club icon Lionel Messi, capping a remarkable breakthrough season for the teenager.
Yamal earned the jersey after a stellar campaign, in which he scored 25 goals for the club in over 100 appearances — making his debut in 2023 at the age of 15 wearing the No 41 shirt — as Barcelona swept the domestic treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup while reaching the Champions League semifinals.
The youngster, who wore the No 19 shirt last season, had already committed his long-term future to the club, agreeing a contract extension in May that will keep him at Barcelona until 2031.
Having turned 18 on Sunday, Yamal was finally able to sign the contract and make it official.
He did so on Wednesday, accompanied by his family.
He also received the No 10 shirt from club president Joan Laporta in a special ceremony.
