Lamine Yamal, one of the great jewels of FC Barcelona and world soccer, is on vacation, but does not lose sight of what is happening in his club. This Saturday, he surprised on social networks with a publication on his Instagram account: a photograph of Diego Armando Maradona with the Barça jersey and the mythical number 10 on his back. A gesture that many interpret as a nod to the dorsal he could wear next season.

The heir to the number 10

Everything points to Lamine leaving behind the number 19 to become the new bearer of the azulgrana number 10, a number worn by legends such as Maradona, Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi and, more recently, Ansu Fati. The latter, a great friend of Yamal, will leave the club in the next few days to go on loan to Monaco, which will leave the club's most emblematic number free.

According to close sources, the change of number will be made official when Lamine Yamal turns 18, on July 13, the date on which the preseason under the orders of Hansi Flick is also scheduled to begin. FC Barcelona is preparing a big event to announce both the player's new number and the renewal of his contract until June 2031, an agreement he signed before leaving on vacation. The official presentation was not made then because the youngster wanted his grandmother, Fatima, to be present for the photograph.

A number with historical weight

Wearing the number 10 at Barça is much more than a symbolic question. It represents responsibility, leadership and excellence on the pitch. Lamine, known as the “genius of Rocafonda”, seems to be ready to take on this challenge. The club sees in him not only a world-class soccer figure, but also a commercial icon, with the potential to boost shirt sales and reinforce the club's global image.

Prior to Ansu Fati, the number was worn by Lionel Messi for 13 years, from 2008 until his departure in 2021. The Argentine, considered by many to be the best player in history, inherited the number from another of the club's idols: Ronaldinho. Each left an indelible mark with the number 10 on his back.

Ready for history?

The debate is already raging: is Lamine Yamal ready to carry the weight of the club's most iconic jersey? His precocious talent, maturity on the field and personality seem to say yes. However, time and performance will tell if the young Spaniard is destined to continue the legacy of the greats or if he will outgrow the number.

For now, Barça and its fans are looking forward to what promises to be a new era under the 10.