Lamine Yamal takes over from Lionel Messi
The 18-year-old has signed his new contract with Barcelona and he’s been rewarded with the hallowed No. 10 jersey.
For some, the weight of history behind Barcelona’s famed No. 10 jersey can be difficult for shoulder. Not so for Lamine Yamal, the newest owner of that iconic shirt.
“I’m beginning my journey, and I’ve come to win,” he after the official announcement on Wednesday.
As planned since May 27, when the Blaugrana star and the club agreed to a contract renewal until 2031, the 18-year-old Yamal will be front and center for Barcelona going forward. The official signing of the contract was both a family affair and a media event.
The young man, just 18, arrived 25 minutes late to the Camp Nou offices on the arm of his grandmother, Fátima, dressed in a pale brown suit and various jewelry. Among which was a pendant with the number 10 around his neck.
In addition to his grandmother, Yamal was accompanied by his father, his brother, cousins, and some friends from the Rocafonda neighborhood. Barça recently paid tribute to the young star in his childhood neighborhood, commissioning a mural on the pitch where he began playing football that read: “From Rocafonda to the world.”
Crowds gather for Lamine Yamal
The at Camp Nou event received a huge amount of media attention, with the journalists gathering en masse at the FC Barcelona store. Inside, jerseys marking the new ’10’, priced at 134.99 euros ($157) each. Outside, under a blazing sun, tourists, fans and curious onlookers crowded around looking for a photo of their idol.
Before appearing before the media, Yamal spoke to the club’s media, saying: “What we’re doing today is a dream I’ve had since I was little. Both my family and I are very happy. Barça has been my whole life. It’s been my home since I was seven, when I arrived here.”
“For all the kids at La Masia, reaching the first team is a dream, and I’m achieving it. My goal is always to win and continue to grow, even though I’m still very young. I’m really looking forward to playing in front of the fans at Camp Nou. We’ll have a great time this year and we’ll definitely win.”
But for all his ambition, he talked down the weight that comes with the iconic No. 10 jersey: “I don’t feel pressure. I’m at the best club in the world. Messi has made his way and now I’m going to make mine, and the number 10 comes from Ansu [Fati]. I’ll try to make my own way.”
He also made comparisons to some of the other illustrious names that have gone before him. Lamine explained: “I’d take everything from Messi; he’s still active. I’d take everything from Ronaldinho, and everything from Maradona. I hope to continue his legacy.”
He ended his appearance as he had arrived, full of confidence: “I’m not bothered about criticism or praise, unless it comes from my family. I can’t be up high if I’m praised, or down low if I’m criticized.
“What did [Barcelona head coach Hansi] Flick tell me? That there’s a double session tomorrow. My teammates congratulated me, but let it be clear that I play for Barça, but when I’m away from the Ciutat Esportiva I enjoy my life and that’s it.”
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