Real Madrid are preparing to pass down one of the club’s most revered shirt numbers, the No. 10, to French forward Kylian Mbappe, following the exit of long-time playmaker Luka Modric.
According to French outlet L’Équipe, the decision to assign the historic jersey was made by the club’s hierarchy, not at the request of Mbappe himself. The move underscores Madrid’s faith in their new attacking talisman after a sensational first season at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Mbappe, who serves as captain of the French national team and traditionally wears the No. 10 for his country, will now mirror that image at club level. The change also reflects his growing influence in the Madrid squad both on and off the pitch.
The No. 10 shirt at Real Madrid carries deep symbolic value. Worn in the past by legendary figures like Ferenc Puskas, Luis Figo, Mesut Özil, James Rodriguez, and most recently Luka Modric, the number has been untouched since Modric’s departure in 2024 after wearing it for seven years.
Mbappe initially joined the Spanish giants wearing the No. 9 shirt — a jersey previously held by Karim Benzema. With the switch now imminent, that number is expected to be vacated and reassigned ahead of the new season.
The decision to entrust Mbappe with such a historic number sends a strong message: the future of Real Madrid is being built around him.
