A shock player is reportedly set to be given FC Barcelona's famous No. 10 shirt following Ansu Fati's departure from the Camp Nou for the season.
Football jersey numbers have become a symbolic part of the game, with elite players often donning shirts that become attached to their identity and how they are remembered in the sport.
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The likes of Pele, Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi are some of the names most mentioned when it comes to the most iconic No. 10s, while Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably the most famous footballer ever to wear the No. 7 shirt, which he has since made part of his "CR7" brand.
At Barca in particular, the No. 10 jersey has a rich history, with former owners being the likes of Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, and Messi – all of whom won the Ballon d'Or while at the club.
Fati inherited the jersey from the now-Inter Miami star back in 2021, after the Argentine left the Camp Nou rather unceremoniously.
However, the Spanish winger has failed to live up to the lofty expectations placed on him since, and was offloaded to Brighton Hove Albion last month on a season-long loan deal without an obligation to buy.
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This has left the shirt number unoccupied, with some reports suggesting that Joao Felix, who recently joined the Blaugrana on a temporary deal of his own from Atletico Madrid, could take the number.
However, Spanish outlet El Nacional now claims that the shirt will be handed to Brazilian sensation Vitor Roque when he arrives at Barcelona in January.
The report adds that the decision was made following an agreement between Barca and shirt sponsor Nike, although it is also stated that the US sportswear company initially wanted wonderkid Lamine Yamal to take it.
Roque was signed by the Blaugrana from Club Athletico Paranaense in July this year, but was immediately loaned back to the Brazilian side until July 2024.
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It is believed, though, that the 18-year-old striker will arrive in Spain in January instead, following his €40 million (R812 million) transfer.
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