Lamine Yamal outshines Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Robert Lewandowski, Sergio Ramos, and many legends in La Liga with unique 2025-26 record
In a league once dominated by the global megastars of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Robert Lewandowski, and Sergio Ramos, few could have predicted that the 18-year-old prodigy, Lamine Yamal, would set a new benchmark that none of them achieved. These icons brought extraordinary skill, unforgettable goals, and global appeal to La Liga—Messi and Ronaldo redefined a generation, Neymar electrified the Camp Nou, Lewandowski brought firepower to Barcelona’s post-Messi era, and Ramos led with warrior-like defiance in countless El Clasico derbies.
But ahead of the upcoming 2025-26 season, Lamine Yamal has done something none of them ever did. Just days after turning 18, Yamal was handed the iconic No. 10 shirt, previously worn by legends like Ronaldinho, Diego Maradona, and most famously, Lionel Messi. It was a decision filled with symbolism and pressure—but also one loaded with potential.
The teenager embraced the responsibility, but remained humble in his first public comments. “I don’t compare myself to him because I don’t compare myself to anyone — and much less with Messi,” Yamal said at the kit presentation. “Messi made his path and I will make mine.”
With over 100 first-team appearances, 25 goals, two La Liga titles, and even a Euro 2024 trophy with Spain under his belt, Yamal is no longer just a promising talent—he is already a pillar of Barcelona’s future.
Breaking the record: The shirt that made history
What followed after his shirt announcement, however, was unprecedented. Within 48 hours of Barcelona unveiling Yamal as their new No. 10, over 70,000 shirts were sold across 170 countries, generating a staggering $11.6 million in revenue. According to Sport and Diario AS, the teenager’s kit became the most expensive jersey in La Liga history, with the elite player edition reaching up to $224 after customization.
“The change of the No.10 jersey is hailed internally as a masterstroke which opened a new source of income,” reported Sport. Fans flooded club shops and online stores, with some outlets reportedly selling over 400 shirts in two days. Staff described the frenzy as “absolute madness.”
Nike had anticipated the surge, ensuring large-scale production and global stock availability, while Barcelona’s updated e-commerce deals with Nike and Spotify allowed for smoother worldwide sales. This monumental wave of fan engagement has made Yamal’s No. 10 the fastest-selling and highest-grossing jersey in Barcelona’s history—and by extension, in La Liga history.
From marketing marvel to on-field brilliance
Barcelona’s gamble on the teenager wasn’t just a marketing decision—it was backed by on-pitch performances. In a recent preseason clash against Seoul, the 18-year-old bagged a first-half brace in a 7-3 victory, showing he’s ready for the responsibility that comes with the number.
His first goal as No. 10 came in the 14th minute, when he danced past defenders after a deflection and scored with a confident low strike. He added a second just before halftime with a slick combination play and a cool finish, making it clear: the jersey fits him just fine.