Lamine Yamal has inherited Lionel Messi’s number 19 shirt at Barcelona, the iconic number 10 is sure to follow, and he could soon also follow in the legend’s footsteps with adidas.
Messi has been adidas’ flagship player for years, enjoying his own personal brand, boots and clothing ranges with the sportswear giant for years. But the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will turn 38 next summer and his career is finally coming to an end.
Yamal, who debuted for Barça The 15-year-old wore Nike boots after his initial breakthrough, lining up with the club’s long-term kit partner.
But adidas won the battle of the brands this year, signing the teenage prodigy to a partnership in February. Five months later, he lit up the European with Spain after an amazing club season, and it has continued to grow.
Now adidas seems to have big plans. Specialist in kit and boots Footy Headlines has reported that they are considering making Yamal what they call a “signature player” in the near future.
This is more than just having boots supplied and getting paid to be a brand ambassador. Yamal would join a select group of players on the side messiahwhich also includes Jude Bellingham and Mohamed Salah, who have their own brand within adidas. Yamal could even directly replace Messi as the main ‘speed’ player under the adidas umbrella when the Argentine legend retires.
Even at just 17, Yamal has put himself in a position where he is arguably the most important player at his club. He has already scored ten goals and assisted in 11 appearances in all competitions, with Barcelona winning every La Liga game they have started at the top of the table. Tellingly, when the youngster started on the bench for the recent clash with Osasuna, the team lost.
