The football world witnessed a defining moment as Kylian Mbappe officially assumed the legendary No.10 shirt at Real Madrid, a number long synonymous with Croatian maestro Luka Modric. The announcement came shortly after Real Madrid’s pre-season tour concluded, with club president Florentino Pérez and manager Carlo Ancelotti confirming the decision amid fanfare and media buzz.
Mbappe, who joined Los Blancos earlier this summer from Paris Saint-Germain, was widely expected to inherit the No.9 jersey vacated by Karim Benzema. However, in a move loaded with symbolism and expectation, the 25-year-old forward will now don the iconic No.10 — a number worn by some of the club’s most legendary figures and a clear sign of the club’s long-term vision.
Mbappe’s Move to Real Madrid: A Dream Fulfilled
After years of speculation, negotiations, and near-deals, Mbappe’s switch to Madrid is not just a transfer — it’s the fulfilment of a dream. He has openly admired Real Madrid since childhood and has frequently cited Cristiano Ronaldo as his idol. Now, Mbappe has not only joined his dream club but is also stepping into the role left behind by one of the club’s modern greats.
Modric, who wore the No.10 jersey since arriving from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, recently confirmed that he will be retiring at the end of the 2024–25 season. Passing the shirt to Mbappe is more than a ceremonial gesture — it’s the baton of leadership, creativity, and expectation in one of the most demanding clubs in the world.
Real Madrid Shirt Number Timeline: No.10 Legacy
| Player | Nationality | Years Worn | Legacy Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luis Figo | Portugal | 2000–2005 | Galáctico legend, Ballon d’Or winner |
| Robinho | Brazil | 2005–2008 | Mercurial talent with flashes of brilliance |
| Wesley Sneijder | Netherlands | 2007–2009 | Short spell, key playmaker |
| Mesut Özil | Germany | 2010–2013 | Elite assist-maker, fan favourite |
| Luka Modric | Croatia | 2012–2025 | Ballon d’Or 2018, 5x UCL winner |
| Kylian Mbappe | France | 2025– | New face of Real Madrid’s attacking future |
By taking on the No.10, Mbappe enters a lineage of elite playmakers, a shift in perception from being purely a forward to a more complete, multi-dimensional player.
Mbappe’s Career So Far: Numbers That Impress
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Major Titles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AS Monaco | 60 | 27 | 16 | Ligue 1 (2016–17) |
| Paris SG | 308 | 256 | 108 | 6x Ligue 1, 3x French Cups |
| Real Madrid* | 0 | 0 | 0 | To be written |
| France (NT) | 78 | 47 | 26 | 2018 FIFA World Cup, 2021 Nations League |
*As of July 2025
Mbappe arrives at Madrid with world-class pedigree, unmatched pace, elite finishing, and the experience of leading France in back-to-back World Cup finals. He is also the youngest player to score in a World Cup final since Pelé.
Tactical Fit: Where Does Mbappe Slot In?
Under Carlo Ancelotti’s system, Mbappe is expected to operate primarily from the left wing — a position he’s most comfortable in — but with freedom to roam centrally. The presence of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and Arda Güler will give Real Madrid a fluid, dynamic attacking core.
Predicted Real Madrid 2025–26 Starting XI:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Thibaut Courtois |
| Right Back | Dani Carvajal |
| Centre Backs | Éder Militão, Rüdiger |
| Left Back | Ferland Mendy |
| Midfield | Valverde, Bellingham, Camavinga |
| Right Wing | Rodrygo |
| Left Wing | Kylian Mbappe (No.10) |
| Centre Forward | Vinicius Jr. |
In this fluid front three, Mbappe will play a similar role to what he enjoyed at PSG but with higher defensive and creative responsibilities expected from him in Madrid’s system.
Fan Reaction: Excitement Mixed with High Expectations
The Bernabéu faithful greeted the announcement with a standing ovation during the presentation event. Social media platforms exploded with reactions:
“Mbappe wearing No.10 at Madrid? A new chapter in the club’s legacy begins.”
“End of an era for Modric, beginning of one for Mbappe. Let’s go!”
“From CR7 to KM10 — Madrid always finds its icon.”
The Madridistas’ expectations are sky-high. With the No.10 shirt comes the burden of creativity, match-winning moments, and leadership — areas Mbappe will need to deliver in week after week.
What It Means for Luka Modric’s Legacy
Luka Modric’s departure marks the end of one of the most illustrious careers in Real Madrid history. The Croatian genius joined in 2012 and went on to:
- Win 5 UEFA Champions League titles
- Secure the Ballon d’Or in 2018
- Become the club’s heartbeat in midfield for over a decade
- Amass over 500 appearances for Los Blancos
Passing his number to Mbappe is a symbolic blessing. It reflects Modric’s faith in Mbappe to uphold the standards that come with this sacred jersey.
Marketing and Global Impact
The No.10 jersey is not just about football; it’s a branding goldmine. Real Madrid’s announcement led to an immediate surge in shirt sales, with fans across Europe, Asia, and North America clamouring to buy the new KM10 kits.
The club store website briefly crashed due to overwhelming traffic, and early estimates suggest that Mbappe’s jersey could outsell Cristiano Ronaldo’s debut season figures.
Mbappe now becomes the face of Real Madrid’s commercial campaigns, social media, and global outreach — enhancing their financial dominance as much as their sporting stature.
What Experts Are Saying
- Thierry Henry: “Mbappe has matured into a leader. Giving him No.10 is a bold but smart decision by Madrid.”
- Fabrizio Romano: “It was always Mbappe’s dream to wear the white shirt. The No.10 confirms this is not just about goals — it’s about being the team’s core.”
- Carlo Ancelotti: “Kylian represents our present and our future. He has earned this responsibility.”
Can Mbappe Handle the Pressure?
With the spotlight intensifying, all eyes will be on how Mbappe performs in La Liga, Champions League, and El Clásicos. While he’s always shown composure under pressure, Madrid presents a different kind of challenge — ruthless fans, relentless media, and towering expectations.
But if history is anything to go by, Kylian Mbappe has rarely faltered. Now, with the No.10 on his back, he has the platform to become one of the greatest in Real Madrid’s storied history.
Disclaimer: All figures, transfers, and statements mentioned are based on official club releases and interviews up to July 2025. Further changes in squad roles, performance stats, and formations are subject to seasonal updates and managerial discretion.
