FCBarcelona and Lionel Messi Picture Credit: AP
Ever since Lionel Messi has departed from FC Barcelona in the 2021 summer transfer window, football fans are surely going to take some time in adjusting to the Argentinian striker donning number 30 at Paris Saint-Germain. On the other hand, it seems like Blaugrana are heading towards a formidable re-build with their marquee striker departing after almost two decades. In addition, this will also be the first time that modern-day football fans are going to witness the iconic number 10 jersey at Camp Nou be worn by a different player.
Currently, it has been confirmed by the club themselves that Spanish striker, 18-year-old Ansu Fati has been handed over the number 10 jersey. Fati, who is a product of Barcelona’s own La Masia academy has been out of action since sustaining an injury in November 2020 against Real Betis. To those who are unaware, Messi took over the number 10 jersey from Brazil’s Ronaldinho who departed from the club in 2008.
Barcelona posted on their official social media handle, “Ansu Fati has a new shirt number. After wearing the number 22 then 17, the young Barca striker will proudly wear the number 10 shirt - a famous jersey previously worn by legends such as Leo Messi, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo. Despite being just 18 years of age and still recovering from injury, Ansu Fati forms part of Barca's history as a record breaker and also with the Spanish national side.”
The statement concluded by stating, “Since his debut in August 2019, the youngster has set records in the league and Champions League. Just six days after his debut for the first team he became the youngest ever player to score in the league for FC Barcelona. A record breaker who will now wear the magical number '10'.”
Ever since he made his debut in August 2019, Ansu Fati went on to establish himself as the youngest striker for Barcelona to ever score in the Spanish top footballing tier. Moreover, in December that very year, Fati went onto become the youngest ever striker to score in the UEFA Champions League when he scored against Inter Milan.