Joan Laporta has a very clear goal in mind: to restore FC Barcelona's image of greatness that has been fading in recent years. One of the key points of this plan involves revitalizing the club's most iconic jersey number, the number 10. After Messi's departure, no player has managed to fill that void, not even a promising Ansu Fati who fell victim to injuries and excessive pressure.
Now, the president of FC Barcelona wants to make a bold move and pay tribute to the Argentine star through his natural heir: Lamine Yamal. The young winger, who has already captivated Barcelona fans with his early talent, is destined to be the new face of the club's sports project. Laporta doesn't want to miss the opportunity to link his figure with the best player in the club's history.
The proposal has already been discussed with Nike, who also sees this strategic move favorably. For the American brand, the number 10 is a very powerful marketing tool. However, they demand that the bearer of the number have playing time, prominence, and continuity; he can't be a bench player or low-profile. As happened in the final stretch of Ansu Fati, the 10 has to be on the field and shine.
Flick Has Given Him More Responsibility
Lamine Yamal meets all the requirements, despite his youth, he has shown a maturity beyond his years. Hansi Flick gave him responsibility this season, and the youth academy player replied with flair, imbalance, and decisive performances both in La Liga and in the Champions League. Moreover, his playing style, daring and electric, perfectly matches the symbolism of the jersey number.
Joan Laporta is aware that assigning the number 10 to Yamal would not only strengthen his image as a future global star but also be a nostalgic nod to the Messi era. A gesture that, without saying it explicitly, would allow the club to emotionally reconnect with fans who still miss the Argentine. Extracurricular reasons compel the Barcelona club to make an urgent decision about the jersey number.
Barça's Number 10
It's not just a matter of aesthetics or commerce. In the offices of Camp Nou, they believe Yamal is ready to take on this responsibility. The next season will be key to consolidating him as a global star, and the number 10 could be the lever that catapults his image.
Although there is no official confirmation, everything points to the change being made effective before the start of the 2025/26 season. Barça is already working on promotional campaigns and marketing actions around the new "10," while on social media, the anticipation is growing. At 17 years old, he is ready to wear the most important jersey number at the Barcelona club.
Laporta wants the return of the Messi spirit to be a reality, at least in the form of a legacy. It is not expected that Leo will play for the club again, but rather that he will be honored in a manner befitting his stature. And what better way to do it than by giving his jersey number to a young talent from La Masia who was born to mark an era.