France captain Kylian Mbappé will wear the number 10 jersey for Real Madrid starting next season, taking over from Luka Modrić, who recently left the Spanish giants to join AC Milan.
The news was confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on his official X account, where he stated:
“Kylian Mbappé will be Real Madrid’s new number 10 from next season. Decision made after Luka Modrić left the club.”
Since his big switch from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, Mbappé had been wearing the No.9 shirt for Madrid. However, with Modrić’s departure to AC milan, the club has now handed him the iconic number one that carries immense history and massive commercial weight.
Softfootball understands that the decision to change his shirt number wasn’t actually initiated by Mbappé himself. Instead, Real Madrid made the call, likely factoring in both legacy and branding opportunities.
The No.10 shirt has long been a symbol of creative brilliance at the Bernabéu, previously worn by the likes of Luís Figo, James Rodríguez, and Wesley Sneijder but none more influential than Modrić, who held it for over a decade, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest in the game.
Mbappé had a strong debut campaign in Spain, bagging 31 goals in La Liga to finish as the top scorer. Across all competitions, he netted 44 goals surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s tally in his first season at Madrid. He scored in multiple finals, including the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
Despite his individual brilliance, Madrid endured a trophyless season, finishing second in LaLiga and crashing out of the Champions League at the hands of Arsenal. They also suffered a shocking 4-0 defeat to PSG Mbappé’s former side in the Club World Cup semis.
Still, fans hope the switch to the No.10 shirt will mark the beginning of a more decorated era for the 26-year-old at the Bernabéu.
