‘He has the personality to handle it’ — Rivaldo backs Barcelona giving Lamine Yamal the iconic number ‘10’

There are few clubs in the world that can match the legacy and prestige of FC Barcelona. With decades of history and success behind them, the Catalan club has countless good memories to recall. Alongside those many memories and trophies, Barcelona have even celebrated a lot of icons and legends.

Many of the sport’s greatest names have played for Barça at some point, and that is hardly surprising. However, as time has passed, many legends have come and gone, but a certain few have left behind their own legacy in a physical form as well.

The iconic Barcelona number ’10’

For instance, the iconic number ‘10’ is a jersey number that many of Barça’s most iconic players have worn throughout the decades. From the likes of Lionel Messi to even the late Diego Maradona, true legends have worn that special number on their backs through the years.

Now, with the new generation coming through, a new face was needed to take that number forward. Previously, Ansu Fati had that opportunity, but misfortune really seemed to have pushed him down a path where no one expected him to be.

Instead, it is now expected that Lamine Yamal will be the player to receive that number following Fati’s move to AS Monaco. Fortunately, Yamal has proven his quality time and time again, and there is simply no denying the talent that he possesses.

Yamal already has Rivaldo’s blessing

Moreover, as highlighted by SPORT, even Barcelona and Brazil legend Rivaldo backs that decision, and his opinion holds a lot of weight considering that he was previously the owner of that iconic number ‘10’ as well during his time at Barça:

“Barça’s No. 10 shirt is in very good hands. I think he deserves it — this number comes with a lot of responsibility, but he has the personality to handle it.”

Dealing with the pressure

By highlighting the success he has had with both his club and the Spanish National team, Rivaldo acknowledged that he already knows how to deal with difficult situations. Moreover, despite his predecessors including the likes of some of football’s greatest names, the Brazilian legend believes Yamal will not let the pressure get to him:

“I don’t think it’ll be a problem for him because he plays with incredible composure. You wouldn’t think he’s as young as he is when you watch him — Yamal carries himself like a 25 or 26-year-old on the pitch.”

Beyond Yamal, however, Rivaldo also briefly spoke about Barcelona target Nico Williams and the possibility of his arrival as well. For now, mixed news is emerging regarding his future, but there is a belief that his transfer is now only a matter of time.