Mbappé to take over Real Madrid’s No. 10 as Modrić era ends

With Luka Modrić set to leave the club, Kylian Mbappé is in line to take over Real Madrid’s iconic No. 10 shirt. According to MARCA, the club plans to make the switch official at the start of the 2025–26 season.

43-goal debut season: Golden Boot secured

When Mbappé joined Real Madrid last summer, he took the No. 9 shirt vacated by Karim Benzema.

In his first season, he scored 43 goals, winning both the Pichichi Trophy in La Liga and the European Golden Shoe.

The next chapter, however, could see him take on the club’s historic No. 10 shirt.

Such an impressive debut season has reinforced the idea that Mbappé is not only a prolific goalscorer but also a player capable of assuming greater responsibility within the squad.

Analyses in MARCA suggest that giving him the No. 10 shirt could serve as a symbolic nod to his growing leadership role.

The legacy of the No. 10: A new era after Modrić

The No. 10 shirt, worn by Luka Modrić for the past eight years, will be available for the first time following his departure after the FIFA Club World Cup.

Real Madrid’s management believes giving the number to Mbappé will enhance his image as a “leadership figure” and boost his brand value.

Real Madrid are expected to use the shirt change as part of their global marketing push.

Mbappé wearing the same number for both France and Real Madrid could generate a significant boost in international licensing and merchandise sales.

Mbappé’s personal connection with the No. 10

Mbappé’s relationship with the No. 10 shirt goes back years.

During his breakout spell at AS Monaco and with the French national team, he consistently wore the number.

At PSG, he became synonymous with the No. 7, but that shirt is currently occupied by Vinícius Júnior at Madrid.

This situation may allow Mbappé to develop a sense of belonging he hasn’t previously experienced at the club.

The No. 10 jersey could become a symbol not only of his on-field role but also his standing within the club.

MARCA’s report: focus on leadership

According to MARCA, the club plans to position Mbappé as a more central figure next season, and the No. 10 jersey is seen as part of that vision.

The report notes that the change also reflects the coaching staff’s trust in Mbappé.

While no official information has been disclosed about the coaching staff’s direct involvement in this process, the decision to alter his squad number is viewed as a move to solidify his leadership role.

No request, but high expectations

MARCA reports that Mbappé has not made any request to the club for this change.

However, within Real Madrid, there is a consensus that he is the player most capable of inheriting the legacy of the No. 10, both in terms of footballing value and symbolic weight.

A shirt worn by legends

Past holders of the No. 10 shirt at Real Madrid include Luís Figo, Robinho, Wesley Sneijder, Mesut Özil, James Rodríguez, and most recently, Luka Modrić.

That legacy now looks set to continue with Mbappé.

The change is seen not just as a symbolic gesture but as part of a broader redefinition of Mbappé’s role within the team.

According to MARCA, the No. 10 jersey aligns with his vision, technical ability, and leadership potential on the pitch.

Fan reaction: a meaningful transition

Many Real Madrid fans on social media and football forums believe that Mbappé should wear the No. 10 due to both his performance and his established association with the number in the French national team.

However, no official statement has been made on the matter by fan organisations or the club itself.

Awaiting Modrić’s official farewell

Ultimately, all of this hinges on Modrić’s official farewell.

As the legendary Croatian midfielder nears the end of his final season at the club, he is quietly preparing to pass the torch to Mbappé.