Nike aims to have the Barcelona star wear the iconic number “10” starting next season, a jersey with a rich legacy at the club.
This number has been donned by legends like Ronaldinho, Romario, Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi. Since Messi’s exit, only Ansu Fati has taken on the challenge, but he struggled under the weight of expectations and has not consistently performed.
Born in 2002, Fati was once hailed for his immense talent but has been hindered by injuries and inconsistent displays. Although he was seen as a potential successor to Messi, he failed to establish himself, leading coach Xavi Hernandez to loan him to Brighton & Hove Albion, where he did not make a significant impact.
Now back at Camp Nou under Hansi Flick, Fati’s chances of taking on a leadership role appear slim, especially with Joan Laporta and Deco looking to part ways with him when possible.
According to reports from El Nacional, Hansi Flick views 17-year-old Lamine Yamal as the perfect candidate for the number “10.” Yamal has emerged as one of the team’s standout players and is seen as a key figure in Barcelona’s future, even among veterans like Robert Lewandowski.
Though Yamal was initially expected to inherit the number “10,” Fati’s presence led him to settle for number “19,” which he also wears for the Spanish national team. However, Laporta is cautious about placing such heavy expectations on Yamal at a young age, fearing that it could impede his development. Instead, he prefers a gradual approach to avoid the pitfalls that affected Fati’s career.
