"As a child, my dream was to debut at Barca, grow, and play with the number 10," Yamal stated on this momentous day. "Every child born in Barcelona dreams of that. Messi forged his path, and I will forge my own."

Yamal and his family attended the special event. Representing Barca, alongside President Joan Laporta, were members of the Sports Committee: Sports Director Rafa Yuste, Football Area Director Deco, Football Area Coordinator Bojan Krkic, and Director and Sports Committee Member Joan Soler.

Besides signing a new contract until 2031, Yamal, who celebrated his 18th birthday on 13/7, received the symbolic number 10 shirt from President Laporta.

The Spanish winger then visited the Barca Store to personalize his new 2025-2026 season kit.

Yamal debuted with the first team wearing number 41, shone with number 27, established himself with number 19, and now takes the next step with number 10.

This marks the latest milestone in the young La Masia graduate's career. Receiving such an iconic shirt in world football, especially at Barca, demonstrates Yamal's readiness to shoulder great responsibility.

The number 10 holds significant weight at Barca. Except for Johan Cruyff, every Ballon d'Or winner at Barca has worn the number 10 shirt for the club, including Luis Suarez (the Spanish legend), Hristo Stoichkov, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, and Lionel Messi.

Messi began his Barca career with the number 30. From 2005 to 2008, the Argentinian superstar wore number 19, like Yamal currently. After Ronaldinho left Barca in the summer of 2008, Messi was given the number 10, wearing it until his departure in the summer of 2021 due to contract expiry. Ansu Fati then took on the number 10 but hasn't met fans' expectations and is currently on loan to AS Monaco.

Yamal has scored 25 goals in 106 appearances for Barca across all competitions, winning two La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey, and one Spanish Super Cup. He also played a key role in Spain's Euro 2024 victory.

"I haven't won the Champions League or the World Cup yet," the 18-year-old midfielder stated. "These are my current goals."

This event comes as Yamal faces investigation by the Spanish government for a potential disability law violation, following allegations that little people were hired as performers at his 18th birthday party.

Yamal sidestepped the controversy yesterday. "Ultimately, I work for Barca, but when I leave the club's training center, I enjoy my life, and that's it," Yamal expressed. "I don't care about criticism or praise if it doesn't come from my family or those close to me."

Hong Duy

Photo: FC Barcelona