Barcelona Legendary No.10s: Lamine Yamal Steps Into the Spotlight

Lamine Yamal takes iconic shirt number as Messi, Ronaldinho & Barcelona’s greatest No.10s cast long shadows

There are shirt numbers in football that mean more than just a position on the pitch. At Barcelona, the No.10 is sacred. It’s a symbol, a legacy, a burden, and a dream. And now, that number has a new owner. At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal has been handed the iconic No.10 jersey—a shirt once worn by the likes of Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, and Maradona. Big boots? That’s putting it mildly.

Yamal’s promotion comes on the heels of a fresh, reportedly lucrative contract with the Catalan giants, solidifying his place as one of the club’s key figures for the future. The young winger seems unfazed by the pressure, stating confidently, “I’m under no pressure; I’ll continue enjoying myself with a different number. I’m grateful for the club’s trust and I’ll try to continue that legacy.”

It’s a brave stance, and one that will be tested soon enough. Because at Barcelona, the No.10 doesn’t just come with expectations—it comes with history.

From Evaristo to Messi: The Lineage of Barcelona’s No.10s

10 — Evaristo (1957-1962)

Evaristo de Macedo, Barcelona

Before the glitz, glamour, and global spotlight, there was Evaristo. The Brazilian striker was the first to truly make the No.10 shirt his own at Barça, netting an astonishing 105 goals in just 151 appearances. Though his later move to Real Madrid may have dulled his legacy for some, his impact in Catalonia is undeniable. He set the tone for what a Barcelona No.10 should be: elegant, efficient, and a pure goalscorer.

9 — Gheorghe Hagi (1994-1996)

Gheorge Hagi Barcelona

The Romanian magician wore the No.10 for a brief spell in the mid-90s, and though his time at Camp Nou was limited, his moments of brilliance are still fondly remembered. Injuries robbed him of consistency, but not of genius. That he is still loved by both Barça and Real Madrid fans is testament to his class.

8 — Luis Suárez Miramontes (1954-1961)

Luis Suarez Barcelona

Not the Uruguayan striker—but the Spanish legend who lifted the Ballon d’Or in 1960. Luis Suárez brought grace and sophistication to the shirt, dictating play from midfield before eventually departing for Inter Milan. He remains the only Spanish-born player to win the Ballon d’Or, and a figure whose legacy stretches well beyond his Barça years.

7 — Hristo Stoichkov (1990-1998)

Explosive, fiery, and devastating in front of goal, Stoichkov wore the No.10 during some of Barça’s most dominant years in the early ’90s. He formed an unforgettable partnership with Romário, winning a Ballon d’Or in 1994. On the pitch, Stoichkov was fearless—and the No.10 fit him like a glove.

6 — Romário (1993-1995)

Romário’s time at Barcelona was a whirlwind: short, sweet, and utterly sensational. His debut season under Johan Cruyff yielded 32 goals and a league title, including a memorable hat-trick in El Clásico. His chemistry with Stoichkov defined an era. While his stay was brief, his brilliance in the No.10 shirt burned bright.

The Icons of the Modern Era

5 — László Kubala (1951-1961)

Kubala Barcelona

Kubala might not have enjoyed the modern fame of Messi or Ronaldinho, but his place in Barça folklore is untouchable. Scoring 193 goals in just over 250 games, the Hungarian was a one-man wrecking crew. He donned the No.10 in four separate seasons and later managed the club. Today, a statue of Kubala stands outside Camp Nou—a tribute to a true Blaugrana legend.

4 — Rivaldo (1997-2002)

Rivaldo

When Rivaldo pulled on the No.10, Barcelona were in transition. And yet, the Brazilian still managed to drag them forward almost single-handedly. He won the Ballon d’Or in 1999, but it was his hat-trick against Valencia—capped off by an unforgettable bicycle kick—that sealed his legend. Rivaldo was more than a star. He was a saviour in troubled times.

3 — Diego Maradona (1982-1984)

Maradona’s time at Camp Nou was turbulent. Injuries and off-field issues plagued his two seasons, but his talent was undeniable. He scored 38 goals in 58 games, played with unmatched flair, and was adored by fans—until a mass brawl in the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Club brought an abrupt end to his spell. Still, his No.10 legacy is part of Barça’s DNA.

2 — Ronaldinho (2003-2008)

With a smile that lit up stadiums and feet that danced across pitches, Ronaldinho redefined joy in football. His time at Barcelona was pure magic. A standing ovation at the Bernabéu? That’s the stuff of legends. He won two La Liga titles, a Champions League, and a Ballon d’Or, bringing joy back to Camp Nou. The No.10 never looked better than it did on his back—until the next man took it.

1 — Lionel Messi (2008-2021)

Lionel Messi Barcelona 2021

Who else could top the list? Lionel Messi is not just the greatest No.10 in Barça history—he may well be the greatest player the sport has ever seen. Over 600 goals in the shirt, seven Ballon d’Or wins, ten La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues… the numbers are ridiculous, the memories unforgettable. From that stunning solo run against Getafe to the countless match-winning free-kicks, Messi wore the No.10 like it was stitched into his soul.

Lamine Yamal: A New Era Begins

At just 17, Lamine Yamal isn’t trying to be Messi, or Ronaldinho, or Maradona. He’s trying to be Lamine Yamal. And maybe, that’s the best thing he can do. The Catalan faithful know what this shirt means. But if Yamal continues to dazzle as he did during his breakout season, the pressure will start to turn into support—and then, possibly, into adoration.

Barcelona’s No.10 shirt has always been more than a number. It’s a legacy. A challenge. A dream passed from generation to generation. And now, it’s in the hands of a teenager with the talent, mentality, and poise to add his own chapter to that storied history.

Here’s to the next great No.10.