Kylian Mbappe has been announced as Real Madrid’s new No. 10
Real Madrid officially handed the legendary No. 10 shirt to Killian Mbappe. This move feels like the beginning of a new era in the Spanish capital.
The obvious came quietly but powerfully. Last week, Mbappe posted a simple “10” to X. There were no images or explanations.
It was everything fans and experts needed to connect the dots. On Tuesday, Real Madrid became official by updating the team list on the club’s website and confirming the 26-year-old as the new No. 10.
Legendary shirt
During his first season at La Liga, Mbappe wore No. 9 as he held the 10, which Luka Modric had owned for over a decade.
Modric left to join AC Milan at the end of his contract, and the famous number was released.
The No. 10 shirt has a rich history in Real Madrid, previously worn by stars such as Luis Figo, James Rodriguez, Mesat Ozil, Roviño and more recently Modric.
A familiar role for French captains
Mbappe has not consistently worn No. 10 in club football, but the shirt is part of his identity at the international level.
For France, he led the offense and wore a 10, temporarily tasting that number of taste during his early career at Monaco, but this is the first time he’s worn full-time at the club level.
The current expectations are for Mbappe to accept the shirts like Zinedine Zidane and Luca Modric before him.
Commercial Power Play
This decision is as much about business as it is about football. Real Madrid is preparing to officially unveil new kits in the coming days, with insiders already forecasting record demand.
When Mbappe was first signed and given the No. 9 shirt, the demand for jerseys was very intense and Adidas was forced to delay delivery in a few weeks.
With the combination of Number 10 fame and Mbappe’s star power, a surge in orders could potentially overturn those numbers.