'Barcelona's No. 10 is in very good shape' - Rivaldo sends message to Lamine Yamal as wonderkid set to take over iconic shirt at Camp Nou

At just 18 years old, the Spanish winger is expected to inherit the legendary No.10 shirt at Camp Nou, a number once worn by the likes of Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho, and most famously, Messi. Yamal's path to wearing the iconic shirt has been cleared by Ansu Fati’s loan move to Monaco.

Fati had held the No.10 jersey since Messi’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. His exit has left the number available for a new bearer, and Yamal’s rapid rise at both club and national levels has made him the clear frontrunner to receive the honour. Currently, Yamal wears the No.19 jersey, a number he has made his own with several breakout performances. The youngster initially debuted with No.41, then transitioned to No.27 before settling on No. 19.

Brazilian football legend and former Barça No.10 Rivaldo has publicly expressed his admiration for Yamal and his excitement about the youngster’s future. Speaking as an ambassador for Betfair, Rivaldo said he was thrilled upon hearing that Yamal would be taking on the number he once wore, especially given the player’s rapid development and international accomplishments with Spain.

"Barca's number 10 shirt is in very good shape," he said. "I think he deserves it, because this number demands a lot of responsibility, but he has a lot of personality."

Rivaldo emphasized that Yamal's mentality is what truly sets him apart.

"I don't think it's going to be a problem for him, because he plays with incredible calmness and doesn't seem to be the age he is when you see him on the pitch. Yamal has the personality that is expected of a 25 or 26-year-old player," he added.

The timing of Yamal’s shirt change is not just symbolic; it’s strategic. Barcelona has just launched their new home kit for the 2025–26 season, and the club aims to align the release with Yamal’s promotion to the No.10 shirt. This move is part of a broader strategy to position him as the new global face of Barcelona.

Yamal’s anticipated promotion to the No.10 jersey marks not just a change of number, but the beginning of a legacy. Following in the footsteps of icons like Messi and Rivaldo, he now carries the hopes of a club and millions of fans around the world on his young shoulders. As part of the club’s commitment to their young star, Yamal is expected to sign a new long-term contract in July upon turning 18. The new deal is reportedly set to run until 2031, securing his services during what should be the prime years of his career.