Lamine Yamal Becomes Barcelona’s New No. 10 With Record €40 million Salary
Barcelona’s brightest star takes on the club’s most iconic number and becomes its highest-paid player.
A New Era Begins at Camp Nou
FC Barcelona has officially unveiled Lamine Yamal as the club’s new number 10 a jersey once worn by legends like Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, and Diego Maradona. At just 18 years old, the Spanish forward has been entrusted with one of the most iconic numbers in world football, and with it, the responsibility to lead a new generation of Blaugrana talent.
“This is my home, and I’ll keep working. It’s my dream,” Yamal said during the announcement at the new Spotify Camp Nou.
“Let’s have fun.”
Breaking Records On and Off the Pitch
In addition to inheriting the legendary shirt, Yamal is now the highest-paid player at Barcelona. His new contract includes a potential salary of up to €40 million per year (approximately R$258 million), placing him among the top earners in European football alongside stars like Kylian Mbappé, Mohamed Salah, Vinícius Júnior, and Erling Haaland.
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He now surpasses Robert Lewandowski as the top earner in the Barcelona squad, underlining his value to new manager Hansi Flick.
A Heavy Shirt with a Heavy Legacy
Since Lionel Messi’s departure in 2021, the number 10 shirt has remained a symbol of immense expectation. Ansu Fati was the first to inherit it but struggled to live up to the weight of the role. Now, Barcelona hopes Yamal can finally restore the magic once associated with the number.
He joins an elite group of Barcelona number 10s that includes:
- Lionel Messi
- Ronaldinho Gaúcho
- Diego Maradona
- Romário
- László Kubala
- Pep Guardiola
Yamal at the Center of Barça’s New Project
Barcelona’s board has made it clear: Lamine Yamal is not just a promising player he’s the face of the club’s future.
As the Catalan giants continue to strengthen their squad this transfer window, several names are on the radar to support Yamal:
- Luis Díaz (Liverpool)
- Rafael Leão (AC Milan)
- Dušan Vlahović (Juventus)
- Julián Álvarez (Manchester City) — though currently a distant target
Barça President Joan Laporta and Sporting Director Deco are reportedly backing a bold rebuild to ensure Yamal has the right support around him in the coming seasons.
What Comes Next for the Prodigy?
Lamine Yamal has already played over 100 professional matches, won four titles with Barcelona, and lifted the 2024 UEFA Euro trophy with Spain. Now wearing the number 10 and with a salary to match Europe’s elite, the pressure and the spotlight is greater than ever.
But for fans at Camp Nou and beyond, one thing is clear:
The Yamal era has officially begun.
