Kylian Mbappé to Wear Number 10 at Real Madrid After Luka Modrić Departure

Kylian Mbappé will wear the number 10 shirt at Real Madrid in the 2025/26 season, after Luka Modrić leaves the club. Modrić’s exit marks the start of a new era for Madrid and Mbappé. The French forward has been successful since joining on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, although he is battling injury at present.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Madrid confirmed that it will hand the No.10 jersey to Mbappé following the expiration of Modrić’s contract last summer. The number is significant as it has been worn by the club’s star playmakers, such as Clarence Seedorf and Mesut Özil, in addition to Modrić. Madrid’s record goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo opted to wear No.7 during his time at the club instead.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NUMBER 10

It is expected that Mbappé will follow Ronaldo’s lead as the figurehead of a successful Madrid team. The Frenchman is far from Madrid’s only superstar attacker, though, in a forward line that includes Vinícius Júnior and England star Jude Bellingham. However, reports indicate that Jude Bellingham will miss the start of the 2025/26 season for Real Madrid due to injury, impacting the team’s dynamic.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR REAL MADRID AND MBAPPÉ?

Madrid will face Athletic Club at San Mamés on Sunday. They have a challenging run of La Liga matches against Osasuna, Oviedo, Mallorca and Real Sociedad in the first 4 matches in La Liga campaign as they aim to dethrone Barcelona as reigning champions.