Barça has introduced a song that has echoed through football for decades, a track linked with icons such as Giovanni, Litmanen, Rivaldo, Riquelme, Ronaldinho and Messi. The club continues to draw cultural lines that connect its present moment to a glittering past.
For the 2023-2024 season, Barcelona will not call Camp Nou home. The team will compete at Montjuic, a decision that adds another layer to a campaign already full of unconventional choices. In what feels like a season filled with symbolic gestures, the club is crafting a narrative about identity, tradition, and renewal. A striking reveal is that no first team player will wear the legendary number 10 throughout the campaign. This marks the first time in 28 years that the squad operates without the iconic shirt, a drought not seen since 1995.
The number 10 carries a special weight in football culture, often associated with playmakers and on-field leaders. Barcelona has entrusted that legacy to several emblematic figures who wore it with pride, including Giovanni, Litmanen, Rivaldo, Riquelme, Ronaldinho and Messi. The presence of this number on the back has helped shape memorable eras and pivotal moments. With Ansu Fati now on loan to Brighton, the shirt lacks a single permanent wearer for the season. Similarly, other numbers such as 19 and 24, previously worn by Franck Kessie and Eric García, also lack a current occupant, underscoring a broader reshaping of the squad’s numerical landscape.
The official confirmation arrived as the club released its 23/24 squad numbers. A concise message from FC Barcelona on social media on September 5, 2023, announced the new allocations and signaled the start of a fresh chapter for the team.
Changes in 12 digits
Barcelona revealed that ten players will carry a squad number for the first time this season, signaling a renewal across the roster. Those who have retained their numbers include Ter Stegen wearing 1, Ronald Araujo with 4, Pedri with 8, Lewandowski with 9, Christensen with 15, Marcos Alonso with 17, Sergi Roberto with 20, Frenkie De Young with 21 and Kounde with 23.
The changes clearly indicate that the newcomers are bringing their own numeric identities. Joao Cancelo has chosen the number 2, Iñigo Martínez has taken the sacred 5 from Busquets, and Oriol Romeu has assumed the 18 that belonged to Jordi Alba. Joao Félix has picked 14 and Ilkay Gundogan 22. Alejandro Balde has inherited the 3, a number closely associated with Gerard Piqué after a long stretch of association with it. Ferran Torres took 7, while Raphinha became the holder of 11 when it became available. Gavi was assigned 6, and Iñaki Peña took 13 for duties between the posts and the squad’s bench.
The numerical reshuffle reflects more than a superficial change. It signals a recalibration of roles, a blend of veteran presence and fresh energy, and a clear message that the club is embracing a future built around variety in styles and experience. The new digits become a language in themselves, offering fans a new way to identify and connect with the players as the season unfolds. This approach to numbers is part of a broader strategy to integrate new talent while honoring the club’s storied history, creating a bridge between what has been and what will be in Catalan football’s most celebrated club. The journey through the lineup changes will be watched closely as fans anticipate a year of adjustments, opportunities, and new legends emerging on the field.
Source: Goal