Teen sensation Lamine Yamal has made history once again, this time off the pitch. Just 24 hours after being unveiled as Barcelona’s new No.10, the 18-year-old’s shirt sales skyrocketed to an astonishing $2.1 million USD (approx. RM8.91 million), making it the highest single-day shirt revenue in the club’s history.
The No.10 jersey is more than just a number at Barça; it’s a legacy. It represents the magic once created by football legends like Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, Juan Román Riquelme, Rivaldo, and Romário. Now, that iconic shirt belongs to Yamal, and fans around the world are buying in, literally.
Outselling Messi at His Peak?
According to Spanish media reports, Barcelona’s internal marketing and financial departments estimate that Yamal’s shirt sales are 20% to 25% higher than Messi’s during his prime years. That’s a mind-blowing figure, suggesting that if this trend continues, Barcelona could generate between €170 million €190 million annually from its merchandise sales alone.
Even more impressive? This surge in demand came despite some recent negative headlines surrounding Yamal’s birthday party, which had sparked a wave of criticism on social media. It seems nothing can slow the momentum of football’s hottest young star.
A Record-Breaking Journey at Just 18
Yamal made his senior debut for Barcelona at just 15 years old and has quickly established himself as one of the team’s most valuable assets. So far, he’s played 106 matches for the first team, scoring 25 goals and providing 34 assists. His football IQ, creativity, and composure on the ball have drawn comparisons to some of the sport’s greatest players.
He’s also seen as a serious contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, with oddsmakers consistently placing him in the top three. For a teenager, that’s virtually unheard of.
More Than a Player, A Global Brand
Taking on the No.10 shirt isn’t just about filling Messi’s boots; it’s about carrying a legacy. And Yamal seems ready for the spotlight. His ability to captivate fans on the pitch is now matched by his commercial appeal off it.
Barcelona is positioning him not just as the future of the team, but as the face of a new global era. From his jaw-dropping performances to his marketable persona, Lamine Yamal is rapidly becoming one of football’s most bankable superstars.
