Lamine Yamal inherits Barcelona No 10: Who are the last 5 players to wear the iconic jersey?

Lamine Yamal, just days after turning 18, was officially unveiled as the new heir to the iconic No 10 at FC Barcelona. The storied history of the Spanish side is only furthered by the legendary stars that have donned the Blaugrana colours over the years. With 18-year-old Lamine Yamal becoming the new No 10 for Hansi Flick's side, as confirmed by posts on the club's social media handles, here's a closer look at the history of the No 10 jersey.

Ansu Fati was the last Barcelona player to wear the jersey at the club, after he took over from Lionel Messi back in 2021. However, the player has largely been unable to make a name for himself and after recurring injuries and poor form, has now been loaned out to French side AS Monaco. Fati's failure to emulate previous legends who wore the No 10 only highlights the extreme pressure of expectations that come along with it.

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Yamal, after taking over the number in an event held at the club shop at Spotify Camp Nou, said, "Messi made his path and I will make mine." The 18-year-old recently came under fire in the media for reportedly hiring people with dwarfism as entertainers for his birthday party. However, he responded to the same by saying, "When I'm away from (the club) I enjoy my life, and that's all."

So, as Lamine Yamal takes the next big step in his way to becoming an indispensable and iconic figure in the history of the club, here are the last five players to have worn Barcelona's iconic number 10:

Ansu Fati

Tipped as Messi’s successor, Fati took the No 10 shirt in 2021. Despite flashes of brilliance, injuries derailed his progress. After several stop-start campaigns with the club, he has now been loaned out to Ligue 1 side AS Monaco. He was previously loaned to Brighton in the Premier League.

Lionel Messi

Arguably the greatest player in the club’s history, Messi wore the No 10 for over a decade and redefined what it meant at Barça. He is the recipient of a record eight Ballon d'Or awards and remains the player to have worn the No 10 for the longest time in the club's history. Messi's 672 goals in 778 appearances remains the most goals by a player for a single club in history.

Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho in action for Barcelona in 2007 (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

The Brazilian magician brought joy and flair to the Camp Nou, playing a key role in Barça’s revival in the early 2000s. He took over the iconic number in 2003 and wore it till 2008. Ronaldinho is considered to be one of the most skillful and flashy players in the history of the club.

Juan Román Riquelme

Riquelme in action for Barcelona in 2003 (Photo by Firo Foto/Getty Images)

The Argentine playmaker spent a brief spell at the club, known for his technique and vision during a transitional phase for the club.

Rivaldo

A former Ballon d'Or winner, Rivaldo thrilled fans with his powerful left foot and memorable goals, including his famous overhead kick against Valencia in La Liga back in 2001. He left the club in the summer of 2002.

With a long list of legends and expectations to match, it remains to be seen whether the added weight of the number 10 will galvanize the 18-year-old or become a hindrance in the player's pursuit for greatness.


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