Between Ansu Fati’s departure to Brighton and Hove Albion and Joao Felix’s arrival on loan from Atletico Madrid, the mystery surrounding Barcelona’s famed number 10 shirt continued to interest many.

While Felix’s arrival initially hinted at him wearing the number, he went on to choose Johan Cruyff’s iconic number 14 which was confirmed soon after his registration. This means that the number ’10’ would remain vacant for the foreseeable future.

So barring a momentous decision to elevate Lamine Yamal to a first-team status and entrust him with this hallowed number, the coveted ’10’ will remain vacant at least until January. 

At present, the number awaits either a potential signing or the audacious selection by Vitor Roque, who may dare to step into the monumental shoes previously filled by Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, and other luminaries.

A brief history 

This unfolding scenario is historic in its own right. With Ansu’s departure and no immediate successor, this marks the first instance of the cherished Barcelona ’10’ jersey remaining unassigned since its formal adoption during the 1995-96 academic season. 

This means it will be for the first time in 27 years that there will be no number 10 in the Barcelona squad.

Over the years, a trailblazing lineage of talents has graced this iconic number. The list includes Angel Cuellar (1995/96), Giovanni Silva de Oliveira (1996 – 1999), Jari Litmanen (1999-00), Rivaldo (2000 – 2002), Juan Roman Riquelme (2002-03), Ronaldinho (2003 – 2008), Lionel Messi (2008 – 2021), and Ansu Fati (2021 – 2023). 

Notably, this list excludes legendary figures like Maradona and Romario, who frequently adorned this esteemed jersey in the era preceding 1995.

Meanwhile, in addition to the vaunted ’10’, several other jersey numbers will also remain unclaimed: 12, 16, 19, 24, and 25. 

Considering the relatively compact squad comprising just 19 registered first-team players, Barcelona boast four unclaimed outfield numbers, along with the designation for the third goalkeeper.

This unique vacancy of iconic jersey numbers ushers in a new chapter in Barcelona’s storied history, evoking anticipation and curiosity about the player who will eventually inherit the legacy of the revered ’10’.