Spanish wonderkid Lamine Yamal is reportedly set to receive Lionel Messi’s iconic jersey number at FC Barcelona, following a long-term contract extension with the club.
According to Memorabilia1899.co, Yamal, who is currently 17 years old, will sign a new long-term deal in July, when he turns 18.
The new contract will include a release clause of €1,000,000,000 (one billion euros), equivalent to over 1.4 trillion Rwandan francs, based on the current exchange rate.
Yamal currently wears the number 19 jersey, which Messi also wore before switching to number 10 in 2008. He is expected to replace Ansu Fati, who is facing uncertainty regarding his future at the club.
Having been promoted to the senior team at just 15 years old, Yamal has now spent two years with Barcelona’s first team. He has already won two La Liga titles and contributed to 43 goals in 54 matches, proving his immense talent and potential.
Last year, he helped the Spanish national team win the European Championship (EUROs) and is now among the contenders for the prestigious Ballon d’Or, despite his young age.
Receiving Messi’s number will mark a significant milestone in the journey of this gifted player, who is a product of La Masia, FC Barcelona’s famous academy known for producing football legends.
