Lamine Yamal’s Path from La Masia to Claiming Greatness in the No. 10

How a teenage prodigy is reshaping football while staying grounded

When I think of Barcelona, it’s impossible not to marvel at the conveyor belt of talent that La Masia, their famed academy, has produced. But every so often, a player comes along who isn’t just talented—they’re special. Lamine Yamal is one of those players. At just 17, he’s not only breaking records but redefining what it means to be a football prodigy in a world obsessed with fame and fortune.

Yamal’s journey began in the hallowed grounds of La Masia, where he quickly caught the eye of coaches and fans alike. By the time he made his senior debut in April 2023, at just 15 years old, the football world was already buzzing. It wasn’t just his age that made headlines—it was his exceptional skill, his maturity on the ball, and his ability to make the difficult look effortless. Rivaldo, one of Barcelona’s greatest ever players, recently claimed that Yamal will wear the iconic No. 10 shirt next season, a number once donned by legends like Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho. That’s high praise, but if anyone has the talent and temperament to shoulder such a responsibility, it’s Yamal.

What sets Yamal apart isn’t just his technical brilliance—though his 10 goals and 16 assists this season certainly speak volumes—it’s his humility. Rivaldo himself noted this, calling Yamal a “jewel” who hasn’t let fame or money go to his head. In an era where young athletes often get swept up in the whirlwind of social media and sponsorships, Yamal’s grounded approach is as refreshing as it is inspiring. He’s not just playing like a seasoned professional; he’s carrying himself like one.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has been vocal about his admiration for Yamal, though he’s quick to temper comparisons to Messi or Maradona. “I’m not a fan of that,” Flick said. “Lamine is a genius in his own right.” And he’s right. Yamal is carving out his own legacy, one dribble, one assist, and one goal at a time. Just recently, he broke Messi’s record for the most successful dribbles in a La Liga game, completing 11 out of 21 attempts. That’s not just talent; that’s fearlessness.

But what’s most exciting about Yamal isn’t just what he’s doing now—it’s what lies ahead. The No. 10 shirt is more than a number at Barcelona; it’s a symbol of greatness, of responsibility, and of carrying the hopes of millions. If Yamal does inherit it, he won’t just be stepping into Messi’s shoes; he’ll be creating a path all his own. And based on what we’ve seen so far, that path is destined to lead to footballing immortality.

As someone who has followed Barcelona for decades, I’ve seen plenty of “next big things” come and go. But Yamal feels different. He’s not just the future of Barcelona; he’s the future of football. And if he can maintain his humility and focus, there’s no limit to what he can achieve.

References: “Already been said that next season he will wear the No. 10 shirt” – Barcelona legend makes claim about Lamine Yamal