Nike plans for Barcelona’s star player to wear the iconic number “10” starting next season, a jersey rich in history.
This number has been worn by legends such as Ronaldinho, Romario, Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi. Since Messi’s departure, only Ansu Fati has taken on the responsibility, but he has struggled to meet expectations and maintain consistent performance.
Born in 2002, Fati was once celebrated for his immense talent but has faced injuries and inconsistency. Seen as a potential successor to Messi, he couldn’t secure his place in the team, leading coach Xavi Hernandez to loan him to Brighton & Hove Albion, where he had little impact.
Now back at Camp Nou under Hansi Flick, Fati’s chances of stepping into a leadership role seem limited, especially as Joan Laporta and Deco look to part ways with him.
According to El Nacional, Hansi Flick sees 17-year-old Lamine Yamal as the ideal candidate for the number “10.” Yamal has emerged as a standout player and is viewed as crucial to Barcelona’s future, even among seasoned players like Robert Lewandowski.
Although Yamal was initially expected to inherit the number “10,” he settled for number “19,” which he also wears for the Spanish national team, due to Fati’s presence. However, Laporta is cautious about placing heavy expectations on Yamal at such a young age, preferring a gradual approach to avoid the challenges that affected Fati’s career.
