Kylian Mbappé takes Real Madrid’s number 10 after Modrić’s exit

Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid’s French forward, is the new owner of the club’s iconic number 10 jersey following the departure of legendary midfielder Luka Modrić, who moved to Milan. The change, announced on July 23, 2025, was confirmed by the player on social media with a simple “10” that set the Merengue fanbase ablaze. The decision, made by Real Madrid’s board, marks the start of a new era at the Santiago Bernabéu, with the club banking on Mbappé’s commercial and sporting impact. The switch from the number 9, worn by the Frenchman in his first season, reflects the club’s confidence in him as a leader both on and off the pitch. The number 10, steeped in history, has been worn by legends like Luís Figo and Mesut Özil, and now gains a new chapter with the French star.

The change comes after Modrić’s farewell, who, after over a decade at Real Madrid, won six Champions League titles and became a club icon. Mbappé, who already wears the number 10 for the French national team, where he won the 2018 World Cup, now carries the weight and glory of the number at the Spanish club. The expectation is that the new number will further boost jersey sales, which already saw impressive figures in the 2024-25 season.

• Mbappé’s debut numbers: 44 goals and 5 assists in 59 matches.
• Number 10 history: Worn by Modrić since 2017, after James Rodríguez.
• Commercial impact: Club expects record sales with the new number.
• Next steps: Mbappé returns to training on August 4 for pre-season.

New leader on the pitch

Mbappé’s selection as the new number 10 was not just a technical decision but also a strategic one. Real Madrid sees the 26-year-old Frenchman as the ideal face to lead the club for the next decade. Since his arrival in 2024, the forward has delivered impressive numbers, with 44 goals in the 2024-25 season, becoming the team’s top scorer. The board believes the number 10, associated with players of historical prominence, will strengthen Mbappé’s image as a leader while drawing even more commercial attention. The change also reflects the club’s respect for Modrić’s legacy, who paved the way for this new cycle.

The Frenchman, who already wore the number 10 for France, where he shone in World Cups, did not request the switch, according to sources close to the club. The initiative came from Real Madrid, which had planned to offer the number to the player since his arrival but waited for Modrić’s exit to finalize the decision. The change also sparks speculation about who will inherit the number 9, with young Endrick being a likely candidate.

Luka Modrić’s legacy

Luka Modrić, at 39, left Real Madrid after 13 years of triumphs and a unique connection with the fans. The Croatian, who took the number 10 in the 2017-18 season after James Rodríguez’s departure, won 27 titles with the club, including six Champions Leagues and four LaLiga titles. His farewell, marked by a match against Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabéu, was emotional, with the player declaring that Real Madrid will always be his home.

• Career at Real Madrid: 56 matches, 4 goals, and 9 assists in 2024-25.
• Destination: Modrić signed with Milan for the 2025-26 season.
• Legacy: The club’s most decorated player, with 27 trophies.
• Farewell: Last match in the Club World Cup, July 2025.

Modrić’s impact goes beyond numbers. His skill, vision, and professionalism made him a role model for younger players in the squad. His departure, as he chose not to retire and continue his career in Italy, left the number 10 vacant, sparking debates about the ideal successor.

Commercial impact of the change

Mbappé’s number switch is also a marketing move for Real Madrid. The number 9 jersey with the Frenchman’s name was already a sales hit in his first season, with hundreds of thousands of units sold. Now, with the number 10, the club expects to surpass those figures, capitalizing on the player’s global popularity. The new number will be officially launched in the pre-season, with promotional events planned for the opening matches of the 2025-26 LaLiga.

Real Madrid, valued at over $8 billion, is the world’s most valuable club, and the Mbappé brand is seen as a key asset to maintain that position. The expectation is that the number 10 jersey, tied to the legacy of icons like Ferenc Puskás and Luís Figo, will set sales records, particularly in markets like Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

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• Previous sales: Mbappé’s number 9 was the club’s top-selling jersey in 2024-25.
• Projection: Club expects a 20% increase in sales with the new number.
• Global market: Real Madrid jerseys are popular in over 100 countries.

Future of the number 9

With Mbappé taking the number 10, the number 9, previously worn by legends like Ronaldo Fenômeno and Karim Benzema, is now vacant. Brazilian youngster Endrick, 19, is a favorite to inherit the number, which would be a milestone in his career. The forward, who joined the club in 2024, has been praised for his adaptation and could become the first Brazilian to wear the number 9 since Ronaldo.

However, Real Madrid is also considering signing a new center-forward in the next transfer window, which could alter plans for the number 9. Names like Erling Haaland, from Manchester City, have been speculated, though no deals have been confirmed. The final decision will depend on coach Xabi Alonso’s strategy for the 2025-26 season.

Reactions from fans and the squad

Mbappé’s number change generated significant buzz among fans, who flooded social media with messages of support and excitement. The fanbase sees the Frenchman as the natural successor to Modrić in terms of leadership and prominence. However, some fans expressed nostalgia for the Croatian’s departure, highlighting his importance to the club.

Within the squad, the transition was well-received. Players like Vinícius Júnior, who wears the number 7, and Jude Bellingham, initially considered for the 10, showed support for the decision. Bellingham, in particular, praised Mbappé as “the ideal player to carry the weight of the number.”

• Fanbase: Social media posts surpassed 1 million interactions in 24 hours.
• Vinícius Júnior: Stated Mbappé “will make history with the 10.”
• Bellingham: Praised the Frenchman’s leadership on and off the pitch.
• Pre-season: Squad returns on August 4 for friendly matches.

History of Real Madrid’s number 10

Real Madrid’s number 10 has a rich history, marked by players who left their mark on world football. Before Modrić, the number was worn by Luís Figo, Mesut Özil, and James Rodríguez, each with unique contributions. Mbappé’s selection to inherit the number reinforces the club’s tradition of assigning it to players of technical excellence and charisma.

Mbappé, who wore the number 7 at PSG and the 10 for France, now has the chance to etch his name on this list. His first season, with 44 goals, already places him among the club’s top single-season scorers, and the expectation is that he will elevate his performance with the new number.

Season preparations

With the number change confirmed, Mbappé is on vacation until August 4, when he returns to training with Real Madrid. The pre-season includes international friendlies and preparations for LaLiga, which starts in mid-August. The club is also gearing up for the Club World Cup, facing teams like Al-Hilal and RB Salzburg.

The expectation is that Mbappé, now with the number 10, will lead the attack alongside Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, forming one of the most feared offensive trios in world football. The board is confident that this new phase will bring not only on-field results but also a strengthening of Real Madrid’s global brand.