Lamine Yamal takes on Barça’s iconic No.10. At just 18, he steps into a shirt worn by legends, Barcelona's greatest No.10s - ranked

 

Lamine Yamal takes on Barça’s iconic No.10. At just 18, he steps into a shirt worn by legends Ballon d’Or winners, artists, and icons. But can he handle the pressure? Here are the 10 greatest No.10s in Barça history ranked. Let’s dive in

Lionel Messi – The Ultimate No.10 Messi is the No.10. From 2008 to 2021, he made the shirt his own: 624 goals, 7 Ballons d'Or, 8 La Liga titles, 3 UCLs. His magic redefined football. Whether dribbling past six defenders or deciding finals, Messi wore the No.10 like destiny. No player has ever carried more expectation and delivered more joy. The gold standard for Yamal and anyone who follows.

Ronaldinho – The Magician Who Made Camp Nou Smile Before Messi, there was Ronaldinho the Brazilian who revived Barça. From 2003 to 2008, he brought joy, trophies and that trademark smile. A Ballon d'Or, La Liga wins, and the 2006 UCL. He even earned a standing ovation at the Bernabéu. Skill, swagger, samba. Ronaldinho turned football into art. His No.10 legacy is unforgettable.

Diego Maradona – The Short-Lived Genius Maradona’s time at Barça (1982–84) was short but explosive. Injuries, controversy, and brilliance defined it. 38 goals in 58 games, moments of magic, and that Copa del Rey brawl. Signed for a world-record fee, he dazzled when fit and left fans with flashes of the genius to come at Napoli.

Rivaldo – The Bicycle Kick King Carried Barcelona through chaos in the late ‘90s. Rivaldo's 1999 Ballon d’Or was well-earned. His outrageous hat-trick vs Valencia (ending in that bicycle kick) lives in Barça folklore. From 1997–2002, he made the No.10 look divine with 130+ goals. Rivaldo wasn’t just good he was clutch.

Laszlo Kubala – The Statue Outside Camp Nou One of Barça’s first icons. Kubala (1950s–60s) scored 193 goals in 250+ games. A pioneer, a powerhouse and the only player here with a statue at Camp Nou. He wore the No.10 in an era without fixed numbers but when he did, he lit up the pitch. A true legend.

Romario – The Short-Term Sensation Romario’s Barça spell was brief (1993–95), but electrifying. 32 goals in his debut season, including a hat-trick in El Clasico. Played under Cruyff in the legendary 'Dream Team'. Fell out with management and returned to Brazil, but his No.10 legacy remains flashy, fierce, unforgettable.

Hristo Stoichkov – The Bulgarian Bullet Stoichkov shared the No.10 with Romario during a golden spell in the early ‘90s. Fierce, fast and clinical. Won the Ballon d’Or in 1994 after leading Barça to glory and Bulgaria to a World Cup semi. A cult hero and one of the club’s most explosive No.10s.

Luis Suárez (The Original) – Spain’s Only Ballon d’Or Winner No, not the Uruguayan striker the Spanish legend. Luis Suárez Miramontes wore No.10 before numbers were fixed, winning the 1960 Ballon d’Or. A midfield genius who helped shape Barça’s dominance in the ‘50s and later starred for Inter Milan. Often overlooked, but a true maestro.

Gheorghe Hagi – The Balkan Magician Only 2 years at Barça (1994–96), but the Romanian legend left an imprint. Injuries limited him, but when fit, his left foot delivered fireworks. One of the few players loved by both Barça and Real fans. Skillful, classy, and unpredictable. A cult No.10.

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