Wearing the number 10 shirt is more than a squad assignment. It is a symbol of creativity, influence, and artistry. The players who have worn it for Spain carry a legacy of flair, vision, and match-winning magic. From tournament-defining assists to dazzling midfield displays, Spain’s number 10s have often embodied the heart of La Roja’s playing identity.
As the next generation steps forward, we look back at the legends who made the number 10 jersey iconic and why it still matters today.
Lamine Yamal
At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal has already surpassed 100 appearances for FC Barcelona, becoming the youngest player in the club’s history to reach this milestone. His rapid ascent from La Masia to the first team has been remarkable. Yamal’s performances have contributed significantly to Barcelona’s La Liga and Champions League campaigns.
Yamal made his first appearance under former Barca boss Xavi. Under Flick’s guidance, Yamal has continued to flourish, playing a key role in the team’s attacking strategies and helping the club secure victories in both the Supercopa de España and the Copa del Rey.
Internationally, Yamal made headlines by becoming the youngest player to appear in a European Championship, helping Spain secure the title. Initially wearing the number 19 jersey, Yamal has now been entrusted with Spain’s iconic number 10 shirt, joining the ranks of legendary playmakers who have donned it before him. He’s notched 19 caps to date.
Cesc Fabregas
He oozed class. Combining flair and creativity, Cesc Fabregas epitomized the number 10 shirt. The former Arsenal midfielder provided that pass to Andres Iniesta for the game-winning goal in World Cup 2010.
Fabregas also assisted David Silva’s opener in the victorious 2012 Euros final against Italy. He played a less prominent role in the triumphant 2008 tournament but still made an impactful contribution off the bench.
Raul
Before he switched to the iconic number 7 to match his Real Madrid kit, Raul joined Spain as the team’s number 10. He wore the shirt in the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 before the number switch in 2002 when Diego Tristian adopted the number for World Cup 2002.
Raul netted 44 times in his 102 appearances with La Roja. While he practically won everything with Madrid at the club level, he fell short of trophies on the international stage.
Thiago Alcântara
Thiago Alcântara brought his creative flair and technical mastery to Spain’s midfield when he took on the number 10 shirt, notably during the 2018 World Cup. With a skill set honed at Barcelona and later Bayern Munich, Thiago was seen as the natural successor to Spain’s golden generation of midfielders like Xavi and Iniesta. In his number 10 role, he aimed to be the team’s orchestrator, threading passes and controlling the tempo in the middle of the park.
While Alcântara helped Spain’s U-21 team lift the 2011 Euro Championship trophy, he never achieved such silverware at the senior level. But he can live with that, enjoying four La Liga titles at Barca and seven league titles with Bayern Munich. He also won the Champions League with both clubs.
Marco Asensio
Marco Asensio brought a U-19 and U-21 European Championship trophy to La Roja, a silver medal for Spain at the 2020 Olympics, and the 2022-23 Nations League title. But he fell short at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and missed out on Spain’s 2024 Euros title. Now at PSG, the 28-year-old midfielder with three Champions League titles with Real Madrid still has plenty to contribute, especially with that sharp shooting left foot.
