Attention, football fanatics! FC Barcelona has officially announced that Lamine Yamal will inherit the iconic number 10 jersey starting next season. The young and talented winger, considered a promise of world football, will take the reins of a number that has been synonymous with greatness at the Catalan club. The number 10 jersey of Barça has been worn by legends and has also represented a challenge for many. Players of the stature of Juan Román Riquelme and Jari Litmanen failed to reach their full potential with this number. Ansu Fati was the last to wear it, after inheriting the legacy of Lionel Messi in the 2021-22 season, but his time was affected by injuries and lack of continuity, which opened the way for Yamal. At 18 years old, Yamal has already proven to be an exceptional player, destined to leave an indelible mark on the club’s history. Below, we review the 10 most outstanding footballers who have worn the number 10 at Barcelona since the dorsal system was implemented in Spanish football in the late 1940s.
- László Kubala: Considered the first great star to wear the number 10 for Barcelona. The Hungarian striker, a refugee in Spain, became an idol and won 14 titles, scoring 194 goals.
- Luis Suárez: No, not the current Luis Suárez, but Luis Suárez Miramontes, who played alongside Kubala in the 1950s. He was a Ballon d’Or winner in 1960.
- Diego Maradona: He arrived at Barça after the 1982 World Cup and wore the 10. Although his time there was brief and marked by injuries and controversies, his talent was undeniable.
- Michael Laudrup: A midfielder of great class who was part of Johan Cruyff’s “Dream Team”. He won nine titles in five seasons.
- Pep Guardiola: The current Manchester City coach, although he played as a defensive midfielder, wore the 10 in his early days in the first team.
- Romário: The Brazilian striker was key in Cruyff’s “Dream Team”, scoring 30 goals in his first season.
- Hristo Stoichkov: Another pillar of the “Dream Team”, Stoichkov shone under Cruyff’s direction, winning numerous titles and the Ballon d’Or.
- Rivaldo: The talented Brazilian won the Ballon d’Or in 1999 and was fundamental in the conquest of two consecutive Leagues.
- Ronaldinho: With his magic and joy, Ronaldinho won over the fans and took Barcelona to the top. He won the Ballon d’Or in 2005.
- Lionel Messi: The Argentine star is synonymous with the number 10 for Barcelona. With 34 titles and historical records, Messi is considered the best player of all time.
