Lamine Yamal Inherits Barcelona’s Iconic No.10 — and Celebrates It With an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
At just 17, Lamine Yamal didn’t just inherit the most storied number in world football — he made a statement while doing it, sporting a rose gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph worth north of €75,000. A timepiece that, much like his game, speaks in a language of precision, maturity, and quiet elegance.
There are moments that need no words. One photograph was enough: Yamal, in a dark tailored suit, face serious, awe still flickering behind his eyes, receives his No.10 jersey from Joan Laporta. That number. The one worn by Messi, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Laudrup, Maradona. It’s not just a jersey — it’s a legacy. And while all eyes were fixed on his symbolic coronation, connoisseurs couldn’t miss what was glinting on his wrist: an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph, reference 26715OR, in 18k rose gold. A watch fit for a CEO — or a prodigy stepping into greatness.
The Weight of the No.10, the Precision of a Royal Oak
In football, the No.10 isn’t just a number — it’s a statement of intent. It signals vision, artistry, leadership. Messi wore it through 13 golden years at the Camp Nou. Since his departure, the shirt had largely remained untouched, save for a short-lived and uneven stint with Ansu Fati. So when Yamal was handed the No.10 in a formal ceremony, with Laporta presiding, it wasn’t just an announcement — it was confirmation. A passing of the torch.
But this wasn’t just football heritage in motion — it was luxury symbolism too. On Yamal’s wrist, the Royal Oak Chronograph in rose gold shimmered with the same natural flair he shows with a ball at his feet. A detail easily missed by some — but it said everything about where he is right now, and where he’s headed.
A Watch That Speaks Volumes
To the untrained eye, the Royal Oak might seem like just another flashy watch. But in the world of haute horlogerie, it’s an icon. Designed by Gérald Genta and unveiled in 1972, the Royal Oak revolutionized luxury timepieces with its octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet — and has since become a grail for collectors and power players alike.
The specific reference Yamal wore — the 26715OR — is among the most sought-after in Audemars Piguet’s modern lineup: a 38mm case and bracelet in 18k rose gold, a “Grande Tapisserie” patterned midnight-blue dial, and the AP Calibre 2385, a beautifully integrated automatic chronograph movement.
Its 38mm size is deliberate — refined, versatile, and never overbearing. It’s not a watch that screams. It suggests. It doesn’t posture. It performs. And in that, it mirrors the responsibility of wearing the No.10 at Barça. This is not a watch — or a shirt — for just anyone.
The Style of a New Leader
At 17, most teenagers are dreaming of autographed jerseys. Lamine already has the most iconic one in club history hanging in his locker — and he chose to mark the moment with a Royal Oak you might expect to find in the collections of LeBron James or Jay-Z. This wasn’t an accident, and it wasn’t naive. It was the kind of sartorial decision that signals self-awareness, poise, and vision. He may not have asked to be Messi’s heir, but he’s embracing the challenge with a confidence that belies his age.
In the modern athlete’s wardrobe, the watch has evolved into a personal signature. Some go for excess — oversized cases, pavé diamonds, look-at-me energy. Yamal, it seems, is cut from different cloth. He chose a piece that blends legacy, craftsmanship, and restraint.
More Than a Statement
Wearing a Royal Oak in rose gold doesn’t make you a leader — but it does say something about the kind you aspire to be. Like the No.10 shirt, it comes with expectations. It speaks to excellence, permanence, and clarity of purpose. The No.10 doesn’t forgive timidity. Neither does an Audemars Piguet.
On his first official day as Barça’s new No.10, Lamine Yamal surrounded himself with symbols that don’t overshadow him — they reinforce his narrative. We don’t yet know how his story will unfold. But if his style were a watch, it would be this: classic, confident, current — and ready to define a new era.
Because this is only the beginning. And the No.10 has returned — with an Audemars Piguet on the wrist and history in his hands.
First published on revistagq.com
