Ansu Fati and the Number 10 Curse: What Lamine Yamal Must Learn from Barcelona's Lost Prodigy

FC Barcelona has confirmed that 17-year-old Lamine Yamal will wear the iconic No. 10 shirt for the 2025–26 season, succeeding Lionel Messi and Ansu Fati. The announcement follows Fati's loan move to AS Monaco, which includes an €11 million purchase option. Yamal becomes the youngest player in club history to don the number, highlighting Barcelona's intent to make him central to their future.

Ansu Fati's Barcelona Decline and Monaco Loan Deal

Fati, once regarded as Messi's natural successor, struggled to maintain his early momentum due to recurring injuries and limited playing time. After being handed the No. 10 shirt in 2021, he endured a series of fitness setbacks that kept him sidelined for long periods.

During the 2024–25 season, Fati featured in just 11 matches, registering 291 minutes with no goals scored. According to Transfermarkt, he missed more than 84 days through injury that season. As of July 2025, Barcelona confirmed his loan to Monaco, extending his contract to 2028 while giving the Ligue 1 side the right to buy him at the end of the campaign.

Fati stated in a press conference after the deal: 'I am fighting to get back to my best level, and I am here to try to do that'.

The Legacy of Barcelona's No. 10 Shirt

The No. 10 shirt is deeply symbolic at Barcelona, having been worn by club legends such as Ronaldinho, Rivaldo and Messi. When Fati inherited the shirt in the aftermath of Messi's departure, the pressure to live up to expectations intensified.

The burden of the jersey, coupled with injuries, appeared to affect Fati's form. Despite flashes of brilliance early in his career, the forward was unable to sustain consistent performances at the top level. Barcelona's decision to loan him out reflects both a sporting and financial strategy, as Fati was among the club's higher earners.

Lamine Yamal's Rapid Rise at Barcelona

Yamal has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in European football. In 2023, he became the youngest-ever goalscorer for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team. Known for his technical skill and composure in front of goal, he played a significant role in Barça's attacking line during the 2024–25 season.

The decision to assign Yamal the No. 10 shirt follows his rapid development and rising importance in the squad. Manager Hansi Flick and the club's leadership have not made public comments about the decision, but the move confirms Yamal's position as a cornerstone of Barcelona's long-term project.

What the No. 10 Decision Means for Barcelona

By passing the No. 10 shirt to Yamal, Barcelona is doubling down on youth development while also embracing the symbolic continuity the number represents. The club appears to have shifted its approach — rather than avoiding the pressure associated with the shirt, it is trusting Yamal to meet the challenge head-on and lead a new era built around homegrown talent.

As Fati seeks to revive his career in Monaco, Yamal prepares to carry the weight of expectation at Camp Nou. The coming season will reveal whether Barcelona's new No. 10 can thrive where others have faltered and establish himself as the long-term face of the club.