In preparation for the upcoming season, Real Madrid has made an important decision: Kylian Mbappé will wear the renowned No. 10 shirt, previously worn by Luka Modrić. This information was published by the Spanish media outlet Radio Marca.
The move marks the beginning of a new chapter for both the club and the player, as Mbappé will be taking on a role that has been associated with leadership and innovation at the core of Los Blancos for a considerable amount of time.
During the summer of 2018, Modrić, a club veteran who had spent twelve glorious seasons at the Bernabéu, chose to officially depart from Madrid and join AC Milan. Real Madrid has decided to give the No. 10 shirt to its newest star striker, who already wears the same number for the French national team. This decision was made because the No. 10 shirt is now empty at Real Madrid.
Mbappé enjoyed a sensational debut season in the Spanish capital, finishing as Real Madrid’s top scorer with 44 goals across all competitions. Despite the buzz surrounding the jersey number, sources close to the club say Mbappé never requested the change, but the club had always intended to offer it to him when the time was right.
That moment has arrived.
The decision is expected to please both Mbappé and Madridistas alike. From a marketing perspective, the impact could be immense. Mbappé’s No. 9 jersey has already sold hundreds of thousands of units worldwide since his arrival. With the release of the No. 10 version, sales are expected to skyrocket again, potentially setting new records for club merchandise.
Furthermore, the No. 10 shirt holds more than just a numerical significance in terms of its symbolic meaning. Modrić has maintained a legacy of excellence, vision, and duty for more than a decade, and it is a heritage that carries with it a strong sense of obligation.
The 25-year-old striker is currently on a summer break following Real Madrid’s 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-final on July 9. He’s expected to return to training with the team on August 4 as preparations ramp up for the 2025/26 season.
As Mbappé gears up for his second campaign with Real Madrid, all eyes will be on how he embraces the No. 10 shirt and the expectations that come with it. With his blistering pace, elite finishing, and growing influence both on and off the pitch, Mbappé now finds himself not only as the face of Madrid’s future but also as a new bearer of the club’s rich tradition.
