History of the Barcelona Number “10”
One of the heaviest, if not the heaviest jerseys in Football history is Barcelona’s number “10” Jersey. The jersey has been historically worn by some of the greatest players in the sport to walk on a football field. The footballing talent of the wearers of the shirt is immense. Some of the prolific players to wear the coveted number 10 include Kubala, Luis Suarez(Spanish), Evaristo, Stoichkov, Riquelme, Romario, Gvardiola, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho. If this list of players isn’t enough, most famously, this Jersey has been donned by two of the Greatest players ever. Period. Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.
Ansu Fati: The unworthy heir
Filling the boots of Messi is impossible. Many have tried, and all have failed. That was until FC Barcelona felt like they finally had the heir to Messi’s throne, the Spanish youngster, Ansu Fati. Becoming the then-youngest-ever debutant in the Catalonian club’s history ahead of a certain Lionel Messi. Playing on the left wing, the Fati was fast, electric, skilful and had an eye for goal. Quickly rising through the ranks he became a key part of the club and was almost certain to become the next best thing for Barcelona. That was until injuries came hard and fast. In 3-4 years Ansu Fati had 5 serious injuries out of which, the first one kept him out for more than 300 days. Upon his return to the first team, there was a lot of uncertainty around the Blaugrana dressing room. For their Greatest footballer of all time, after spending 17 years at the club was bound to leave. And the only thing Lionel Messi left behind was the number 10 jersey. Ansu Fati, still just 19, was seen as the only one capable of carrying forward the legacy that Messi had left. But alas, Ansu never could reach the level he showed before his injury. Ever since, his downfall began. Game time was scarce, injuries kept happening and relapsing. And every time it looked as if he would be back to his best, he went into a shell of his former self. 2 years on and after a season-long loan spell at Brighton Ansu is back at Barcelona with the number “10” which has lost its former glory.
Undecided Future of Ansu Fati and the “10”
At this point, it’s still undecided whether Ansu will stay at the club or not. While he will be a part of the preseason, only an insane performance in every minute he is on the pitch can convince Barcelona to keep him at the club. The best course will of course be to loan him out and give him chances to prove himself at a club where the pressure isn’t much. There’s no doubt that Barcelona will be on the market for a new Left Winger and Nico Williams seems to be like the one they are after. Joao Felix might get another loan spell at Barca as well. So realistically, with Ferran also at Barca, they don’t need Ansu Fati at the club, unless he pulls off the greatest preseason performances of all time.
On the other hand, the number “10” jersey will, and should be stripped off the shoulders of Ansu Fati. But then the question arises, whom does it go to? And while no one dares speak of it for the fear of jinxing it. There is only one candidate who in all honesty is worthy of it. The 16-year-old wonderkid, Lamine Yamal, who has been lighting up the Euros on Spain’s right wing. But if Barcelona don’t want an Ansu Fati 2.0 on their hands, the best course of action would be to be patient. A jersey that heavy might put pressure on the teenager’s shoulders, something no Culer wants to see. But again, who is to say Lamine will crumble under pressure as Ansu did? While it will be fun to watch who wears the jersey in the next season, or if it remains locked up for Lamine sometime in the future to wear it, one thing is for sure. Ansu Fati’s time as the owner of the Barcelona number “10” has tainted the Jersey’s magic just a bit.
