There’s something special about a player who grows up dreaming of playing for his local team, coming through the academy, and years later becoming the face of that same club.
Lamine Yamal is exactly that kind of story and it’s official now: at 17 (just turned 18), he’s signed a long-term deal to stay at Barcelona until 2031. At the same time, he’s been handed the legendary No. 10 shirt once worn by Ronaldinho, Rivaldo and Messi.
A contract with meaning
The signing happened at Barcelona’s offices, with club president Joan Laporta, sporting director Deco, and Yamal’s family, including his grandmother. Reports say the deal officially runs until June 30, 2031 so he’ll be 23 when it ends.
The club hasn’t officially confirmed the salary, but press reports put his annual pay around €30–40 million with bonuses, including a Ballon d’Or bonus clause. The release clause stays at a jaw‑dropping €1 billion, the same as other young stars like Pedri or Gavi.
On his move into the No. 10 role, Yamal said plainly: “Messi made his path; I’ll make mine.” He insisted he doesn’t feel pressure but rather excitement.
Laporta added, “Lamine isn’t just a talent, he represents what we want this club to be: brave, homegrown, with the ambition to be the best in the world.” That quote shows the heart behind this deal.
From Rocafonda to Camp Nou
Yamal was born on July 13, 2007, in Esplugues de Llobregat, just outside Barcelona. He later moved with his family to Rocafonda, a working-class neighborhood in Mataró. He joined La Masia when he was six.
His grandmother Fatima raised him, and he’s always paid tribute to her and to his roots with his “304” goal celebration (Rocafonda’s postal code). He’s now the youngest player in Barça history to wear the No. 10 shirt. Something even Messi didn't do at 18.
Proving himself on the pitch
Yamal broke into the first team at 15, debuting April 29, 2023. Over 106 senior appearances, he has scored around 25 goals and contributed 34 assists.
Last season 2024–25 under Hansi Flick, he had about 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 games, helping Barça win La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa.
He set multiple records: youngest scorer in La Liga, youngest player to reach 100 Barça appearances, youngest scorer in a Clásico, UEFA knockout match goals, and more.
Hansi Flick has backed him fully. After training with the squad, Flick said: “He’s fearless. Plays like someone with 200 games under his belt.” High praise from a coach who’s managed veterans like Thomas Müller and Joshua Kimmich.
Former scout Albert Puig told El País: “He reminds me of Messi at 17. But he’s got his own style, bolder, more direct and scary fact is, he’s still growing.” That comment echoes around the club and fan base.
The power and peril of the No. 10 shirt
At Barça, the No. 10 is more than a number. It’s a symbol. After Messi left in 2021, Ansu Fati took the shirt at 19 but had injuries and inconsistent form, eventually moving to Monaco. With Fati gone, the number was free and Yamal earned it.
Fans were skeptical at first because wearing that shirt means carrying history. But his attitude, humility, and performances have changed minds. On social media one fan wrote: “The Premier League clubs were circling. But he chose to stay. That’s loyalty. That’s Barça DNA.”
In his interview with Sport, Yamal said: “I don’t want to be the next Messi. I just want to be Lamine.” That line captured the feeling in the camp: he wants to write his own story.
Looking forward: core of a new team
This deal is more than emotional. It's strategic. Barcelona is still rebuilding financially. They couldn’t splurge big that’s part of the Financial Fair Play reality. So they leaned on homegrown talents. Now Yamal, Gavi, Pedri, Balde, and Fermin López form a new core. Yamal is clearly the centerpiece.
But with big roles comes pressure. Wearing No. 10 means being the face of the team, the dynamo in tight moments. He’ll need help.
Players like Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, even Raphinha, will matter in that supporting cast. Barcelona fans appear optimistic but cautious happy to see their own staying, but aware the challenges remain.
Ballon d’Or questions already?
It sounds early, but people are asking: could Yamal win a Ballon d’Or? Barcelona has produced six winner players wearing No. 10. Messi, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Stoichkov, Figo, and Luis Suárez, the legendary Spanish midfielder not the Uruguayan striker also wore the shirt.
By the time Yamal’s deal runs out in 2031, he’ll be 24, which is usually when most top players hit their prime.
If he stays fit, keeps learning, adding consistency, and playing in good teams, there’s no reason he can’t join that club. Flick and others already hinted at it: pundits love to call him a favorite for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
What about Real Madrid?
You can safely assume Real Madrid is watching this closely. They’ve got their own young talents. Endrick, Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham. This Catalan vs Madrid arms race is alive again.
Yamal’s commitment shifts the dynamic for years ahead. As Catalunya Ràdio journalist Toni Juanmartí said: “This isn’t just about football. It’s about identity. Barcelona needed a symbol, and now they have one.”
A reminder that La Masia still works
For some years critics said La Masia was no longer producing top talent. But Yamal, Gavi, Balde, Fermin López? They show the pipeline is working.
Even Pep Guardiola smiled when asked about Yamal: “Barcelona always finds a way. If this kid stays humble and keeps learning, the sky's the limit.” That’s respect from one of Barça’s greatest.
Personal side: his grandmother and his gratitude
What made the contract moment even more special was Yamal bringing his grandmother, Fatima, to be part of it. She raised him, and he’s never been shy about how much she means to him. He even waited until after his 18th birthday to do the presentation so that she could be there.
He’s said before that he offered to move her into a new house, but she didn’t want to leave Rocafonda. And he respected that.
He’s humble. He’s grounded. And he stays loyal to his roots. In a world of flash transfers, he’s a reminder of something real.
What fans can expect next season
The new season will soon start. Preseason begins mid‑July under Flick. Yamal will start as the No. 10. That brings new expectation. People will expect him to lead by example even at 18.
It won’t be easy. Breakouts always face ups and downs. But Yamal is only 18 and already has grit and intelligence. Now he has a long-term contract, a ring‑fenced club future, and the weight of a shirt known around the world.
Since signing, he’s hinted at long-term goals: win the Champions League, maybe a World Cup with Spain. He helped Spain win Euro 2024, became youngest scorer in a Euros match and final, and took home the Young Player award. Spain’s fans already regard him as one of their brightest stars.
Wanderlustsport Verdict
In short: Yamal grew up near Barcelona, joined La Masia, rose fast, now he’s signed until 2031 and wears the No. 10. The club is betting its future on him.
He’s already a key player, a record-setter, a Ballon d’Or contender. He says he’s not the next Messi, he’s Lamine. But for Barcelona and its fans, he might just be the next big chapter.
They needed someone to carry their values, their homegrown identity, their ambition and someone is here. And for fans watching, the feeling is that the best days for Barça might still be ahead.