Lamine Yamal – Barcelona's new "number 10" and his brilliant journey at age 18.

(NLĐO) – On his 18th birthday, Lamine Yamal was presented with the legendary number 10 jersey by Barcelona, ​​a tenfold increase in salary, and a promising future that looks incredibly bright.

Lamine Yamal celebrated his 18th birthday on July 13th and immediately became the center of attention across Europe when FC Barcelona presented him with the legendary number 10 jersey – a number previously worn by Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho, Hristo Stoichkov, and others. Like Messi before him, Yamal doesn't want to compare himself to anyone, not even Messi himself. "I'm on my own path," he asserted.

President Joan Laporta presented the number 10 jersey to Lamine Yamal.

Future expectations

In a world of football dominated by statistics, media noise and the never-ending quest to find the next Lionel Messi, it would be strange for Lamine Yamal to go unnoticed.

At the age of 18, Yamal had already played 106 matches for Barcelona's first team, far more than Messi at the same age. Last season, he scored 18 goals and provided 25 assists, playing a major role in Barcelona's hat-trick of titles: the Copa del Rey, the Spanish Super Cup, and La Liga. In the national team, Yamal also won Euro 2024 with Spain, reaching a personal record of 21 appearances and 6 goals.

Yamal continuously sets records on the football field before the age of 18

Yamal's remarkable progress earned him a new contract from Barcelona, ​​extending his stay until 2031, with a tenfold increase in his base salary to approximately €16 million per year, and "absolute protection" provided by a massive release clause of €1 billion. This figure demonstrates Yamal's strategic importance in the Catalan club's long-term plans.

Not only is he talented, Yamal also shows rare maturity at the age of 18. After the bitter defeat against Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-finals, he didn't give up but immediately focused on other goals with Barcelona. That's the character of a future champion.

Lamine Yamal won the European Championship with the Spanish national team.

Off the pitch, Yamal remains a cheerful, sociable boy. Born in Mataro – a challenging region of Catalonia – he is always proud of his hometown. Every time he scores, Yamal celebrates with the symbol "304" – the last three digits of the postal code for Rocafonda, where he grew up. His family is his greatest support system. His strict father, devoted mother, and loving grandmother have always helped Yamal keep his feet on the ground.

Yamal moved all of Europe to tears.

Yamal's playing style reminds many of Messi: his speedy dribbling, exquisite ball control, and superb creative abilities. But unlike Messi, Yamal is not yet a true "killer" in the penalty area. He is still diligently working to improve himself, as he himself admits: "I need to improve my goal-scoring instinct even more."

Nevertheless, humility and a willingness to learn are what make experts believe Yamal will go far.

Controversy and scandal

New Barcelona coach Hansi Flick praised the young player's professionalism and proactive attitude. In the eyes of his teammates, Yamal is "a special person"—someone who brings laughter and joy to the whole team.

The number 10 jersey elevates Lamine Yamal's career in every competition.

But Yamal's 18th birthday isn't just about football. Recently, he caused a stir when he was accused of hiring dwarfs to perform for entertainment at his birthday party, prompting the Spanish Ministry of Social Affairs to order an investigation. Despite this, the player himself has remained silent, focusing on his career.

Looking ahead, Barcelona and their fans are hoping Yamal will lead the team's attack in the new season. Last season, he contributed 18 goals and 25 assists, helping Barcelona win the domestic treble (La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup).

Titles will always come if Lamine Yamal keeps his feet on the ground.

Yamal also won the Golden Boy award and the Kopa Trophy for "Best Young Player of the Year" in Europe, and the question is no longer whether he will win the "Ballon d'Or," but when. His confidence isn't just on the pitch. "I will bring the Champions League back to Camp Nou," Yamal declared after Barca were eliminated by Inter Milan in the semi-finals of the 2024-2025 Champions League.

The number 10 jersey bearing Yamal's name is highly sought after by fans.

And Yamal will begin his journey to fulfill that promise with a new number (number 10), inherited from his close friend Ansu Fati, who recently moved to Monaco. This decision shows the absolute faith Barcelona places in Yamal, and that the future of the Catalan team rests entirely on this "precious gem" who has just turned 18. At the upcoming 2026 World Cup, this 18-year-old is also expected to become an inspiration for the Spanish national team.

Lamine Yamal – the boy who once played football on the street corner of Rocafonda – now wears the prestigious number 10 shirt for Barcelona, ​​embarking on a journey to prove he deserves it.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/lamine-yamal-so-10-moi-cua-barcelona-va-hanh-trinh-tuoi-18-ruc-ro-196250717075157863.htm