Hansi Flick sparks tension in the dressing room and declares to everyone: Lamine Yamal will not be the one to wear the number 10 shirt at Barcelona!

In a dramatic twist that has shaken the Barcelona dressing room, new head coach Hansi Flick has made a bold and controversial decision: Lamine Yamal will not be the player to inherit the legendary number 10 jersey at the club. This declaration has reportedly sparked tension among players, management, and even commercial partners — particularly Nike, which had its hopes set on Yamal becoming the club’s new poster boy.

The number 10 shirt at FC Barcelona carries a heavy legacy. From Diego Maradona to Ronaldinho, and most recently the iconic Lionel Messi, the number symbolizes leadership, brilliance, and unshakable confidence. When Messi left for Paris Saint-Germain, the responsibility fell on a young Ansu Fati — a decision that, in hindsight, has been met with criticism.

Ansu Fati’s time wearing the number 10 has been marred by injuries and inconsistent form. Despite flashes of brilliance, he has struggled to live up to the monumental expectations associated with the jersey. The club is now reportedly looking to move him on this summer, hoping to generate between €15 and €20 million through a permanent sale — though the reality of attracting suitors willing to pay that amount remains slim.

President Joan Laporta and Sporting Director Deco are fully aware of the challenges ahead. Fati’s limited minutes this past season have raised doubts across Europe. The idea of a loan deal or even allowing the player to depart for free is now being floated within club offices, with the added benefit of freeing up space on the wage bill and vacating the fabled number 10 shirt.

Enter Lamine Yamal. At just 17 years old, the prodigious winger has already cemented his place in Barcelona’s starting eleven. A dynamic, intelligent, and fearless attacker, Yamal has become one of the most exciting young talents in world football. Many fans, media outlets, and club sponsors — especially Nike — had assumed it was only a matter of time before Yamal would inherit the number 10.

But Hansi Flick has other ideas.

According to Spanish publication El Nacional, the former Bayern Munich and German national team manager has made it abundantly clear to the dressing room and board members that Yamal is not yet ready for the symbolic and psychological weight that comes with the shirt. Flick, who values discipline and gradual development, believes the teenager should focus on his football without the burden of added pressure.

The German tactician has reportedly instructed Laporta and Deco not to cave to Nike’s marketing ambitions. While Yamal’s potential is undeniable, Flick insists that assigning him the number 10 jersey now could derail his long-term development. Instead, he advocates for a more experienced player to take on the role — someone who can handle the spotlight and thrive under it.

In a surprising twist, Flick has proposed Dani Olmo as the ideal candidate to take over the jersey. Olmo, currently plying his trade at RB Leipzig, has become a crucial figure for the Spanish national team and has demonstrated both consistency and maturity in high-pressure environments. He wore the number 10 shirt for Spain during the last European Championship, where he was the tournament’s top scorer and one of its standout performers.

Olmo’s experience and profile make him a suitable symbolic leader — and an excellent marketing asset in his own right. The only hurdle would be negotiating a deal to bring him to Camp Nou. Despite recent injury concerns, his statistics last season — eight goals and five assists in 28 games — show that he is a player capable of influencing games at the highest level.

Flick’s decision has sparked debate both inside and outside the club. Some players reportedly support his cautious approach with Yamal, citing the mental pressure that crippled Ansu Fati’s rise. Others argue that this move could signal a lack of faith in Yamal’s ability to step into greatness — especially when he’s shown composure beyond his years.

Meanwhile, Nike’s marketing team is believed to be unhappy with the coach’s stance. For them, Yamal represents the perfect blend of talent and brand potential. His youth, flair, and social media presence make him an ideal candidate to lead Barcelona’s new era, and the number 10 jersey would have only solidified that image.

But Flick is not one to be swayed by external pressures. His managerial style is rooted in structure, discipline, and long-term vision. He sees Yamal as a potential world-class star — but not at the cost of throwing him into the limelight prematurely.

What makes this even more compelling is the symbolic power struggle this moment represents. On one side is Flick, emphasizing sporting merit, mental readiness, and the careful nurturing of young stars. On the other side are the commercial forces, eager to monetize the club’s brightest new face.

As of now, Barcelona’s management remains torn. Will they follow Flick’s football-first philosophy and bring in Dani Olmo to wear the number 10? Or will they bow to Nike’s vision and thrust Yamal into the symbolic shoes once worn by Messi?

The fans are also split. Some feel the number 10 should only go to a generational player like Yamal, one who embodies the future. Others believe that giving him more time to mature — both mentally and physically — is the smarter move.

Ultimately, this is more than just a jersey number. It’s a decision that will shape Barcelona’s branding, locker room dynamics, and future narrative. Flick’s firm stance has already caused ripples, and how the board responds will speak volumes about the direction the club wishes to take post-Xavi.

For now, Lamine Yamal will continue donning the number 19 shirt. And Barcelona, once again, stands at a crossroads between legacy, pressure, and potential.