FC Barcelona has embarked on a new season, marking a significant departure from tradition as the squad lacks a number 10 for the first time since 1995. This change came about due to Ansu Fati’s loan move to Brighton who inherited the number 10 from Lionel Messi.
Despite the high hopes placed on the young talent, Ansu Fati has yet to fully step into the formidable shoes left vacant by Lionel Messi’s departure to PSG in 2021. Observing the challenges faced by the gifted Spanish winger, fans on social media are advocating for Barcelona to heed the counsel of club legend Ronaldinho regarding the number 10 legacy at the club.
Ronaldinho, the Brazilian soccer icon and Barcelona legend, made a noteworthy statement back in 2018. He proposed that Barcelona should consider retiring the number 10 jersey following Lionel Messi’s eventual retirement from the sport.
Ronaldinho claimed that Barca should retire the number ’10’ shirt when Lionel Messi hangs up his boots.
“when Messi retires, which I hope will be a long time from now, they should leave the No 10 there so that nobody can touch it again.”#ForcaBarca pic.twitter.com/k5eE0HQokz
— SBOTOP (@SBOBET) September 3, 2018
Ronaldinho passionately asserted, “When Messi retires, which I hope will be a long time from now, they should leave the No 10 there so that nobody can touch it again.”
Expanding on his sentiment, Ronaldinho added, “He is the best in the club’s history and has done what no one else could. I hope it stays that way for another 20 years at least. For anyone who loves football, we would like to keep him at this level for many more years.”
This statement was made in 2018, a time when the prospect of Messi’s moves to PSG and Inter Miami was unforeseen. Nonetheless, the notion of retiring the revered number 10 jersey as a sign of respect for the club’s all-time leading goalscorer and arguably the greatest player in its history has been a subject of debate among fans on social media for years.
In economic terms, however, the practicality of retiring such a prominent jersey number comes into question. The number 10 jersey contributes significantly to the club’s revenue through shirt sales, a factor that has financially benefited the club over time.
Nike pressuring FC Barcelona to give number 10 to Lamine Yamal
In the wake of Ansu Fati’s loan departure from FC Barcelona, the club’s current kit manufacturer, Nike, has exerted its influence in determining the successor for the coveted number 10 jersey, a move that underscores the economic implications of such a decision.
Recent reports from El Nacional reveal that Nike, a global sporting behemoth with a valuation of $149 billion, has urged FC Barcelona to reassign the number 10 jersey due to Fati’s underwhelming performance. The emerging candidate for this prestigious number is none other than the prodigious talent, Lamine Yamal.
Yamal’s exceptional start to the season on the left wing has captivated Barcelona fans worldwide. Over the first four league matches of the season, the wonder kid has played a pivotal role in securing valuable points for the team, particularly in their away fixture against Villarreal.
Last season, at just 15 years and 290 days old, Yamal broke into the first-team squad, becoming FC Barcelona’s youngest-ever appearance maker. He further etched his name in the record books by becoming the youngest La Liga champion at the age of 15 years and 305 days.
Lamine Yamal’s goalscoring record for Barcelona at all levels since joining the club in 2014 is unreal 🤯 pic.twitter.com/fxj7vdB4rW
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 10, 2023
At 16 years and 57 days old, Yamal shattered even more records, becoming the youngest player and goalscorer for Spain. In doing so, he eclipsed the records previously held by Gavi, who made his debut at 17 years and 62 days old and scored his first goal at 17 years and 304 days old.
Considering his meteoric rise and record-breaking feats, both FC Barcelona and Nike may choose to entrust the young prodigy with the weighty responsibility of donning the number 10 jersey. However, this task would be monumental for Yamal, given the illustrious history associated with the number, which has been previously worn by legends like Messi and Ronaldinho.
Nonetheless, the club and Nike may prioritize the potential surge in sales associated with the FC Barcelona number 10 jersey, perhaps mitigating the associated risks of such a decision.