- Real Madrid’s iconic number 10 shirt will be handed to Kylian Mbappe
- Luka Modric gave his jersey directly Arda Guller, sparking speculation
- The club, not Mbappe, decided on the shirt number change
Key Takeaways:
After Luka Modric left Real Madrid, one of the most interesting questions surrounding the “Kings” was who would receive the number 10 shirt.
Following the team’s return from the Club World Cup, cameras captured a notable moment. Luka Modric bent down to his bag, pulled out his number 10 jersey, and handed it to the young Turkish talent, followed by a warm hug between the two. What initially appeared to be a kind gesture and show of respect to a young teammate was quickly interpreted by fans and media as a symbolic “passing of the torch.”
Kylian Mbappé will wear the No. 10 shirt at Real Madrid next season, a source told ESPN 🔥 pic.twitter.com/OqO6IsN9Fb
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 22, 2025
There were a few candidates, but the number 10 will go to Kylian Mbappe. It is clarified that Mbappe did not insist on this – the decision was made by the club. This is not unexpected, given that Mbappe is now the biggest star at Santiago Bernabeu.
The decision has not yet been officially announced. Last season, Mbappe wore the number 9 and was reportedly not very happy about it.
The situation is reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo’s first season in Madrid, when he also received the number 9, but after Raul’s departure, the Portuguese star was given his desired number 7.