Kylian Mbappe is set to wear Real Madrid’s iconic No. 10 shirt next season, inheriting Luka Modric’s legendary number after a 44-goal debut campaign. The Frenchman now leads Madrid’s next Galactico era.
Kylian Mbappe’s Real Madrid fairytale is gaining another layer of significance ahead of the 2025–26 season. According to MARCA, the French superstar is set to trade his No. 9 shirt for the iconic No. 10 jersey recently vacated by Luka Modric, marking a symbolic moment of transition at the Santiago Bernabeu. For a club built on legacies, this isn’t just a shirt change — it’s a baton handover.
After years of speculation, Mbappe finally joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2024 and wasted no time in justifying the hype. In his debut season, he delivered an extraordinary 44 goals across all competitions, clinching both the Pichichi Trophy for La Liga’s top scorer and the European Golden Boot.
His partnership with Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., and Rodrygo transformed Real Madrid’s attack into one of the most dangerous in Europe. Their movement, pace, and versatility redefined Madrid’s front line — and Mbappe was the tip of the spear.
The No. 9 shirt, once worn by club legends such as Alfredo Di Stéfano, Hugo Sánchez, and Karim Benzema, served him well. But the number never felt permanent — not for a player who’s worn the No. 10 for France since he was a teenager.
Modric’s departure to AC Milan in June 2025 ended an era at Madrid. The Croatian maestro spent over a decade at the club, winning five Champions League titles and a Ballon d’Or in 2018. His No. 10 shirt had become synonymous with vision, intelligence, and elegance.
By handing that number to Mbappe, Real Madrid are making a clear statement: the future of the club now runs through the Frenchman. It’s a jersey that has historically been worn by artists, leaders, and match-winners. From Ferenc Puskás to Luis Figo, Real Madrid’s No. 10 has always carried weight — and expectation.
For Mbappe, this isn’t just a preferred number. It’s a return to his roots. He wore No. 10 at AS Monaco, where he first emerged on the European scene. He’s worn it with Les Bleus, winning a World Cup in 2018. Now, he’ll wear it on club football’s biggest stage — and the pressure will be immense.
The move also makes perfect sense from a commercial standpoint. Real Madrid reportedly sold hundreds of thousands of shirts branded ‘Mbappe 9’ last season. Now, with a fresh relaunch of ‘Mbappe 10’, they’re poised for another wave of shirt sales globally.
It’s not just about marketing — it’s branding genius. The No. 10 shirt aligns with Mbappe’s superstar profile and allows the club to extend his influence far beyond the pitch. Expect the Bernabeu and team stores worldwide to be flooded with new white kits come August.
Real Madrid have always understood the value of icons — players who transcend football and become global symbols. Mbappe fits that mold, and handing him the No. 10 is part of a wider plan to build the next Galactico era around him.
With Jude Bellingham wearing No. 22, Vinicius Jr. donning No. 7, and Mbappe now No. 10, the club’s new-look trio already rivals the legendary days of Zidane, Ronaldo, and Figo.
Moreover, the timing couldn’t be better. With Barcelona rebuilding, Atletico in transition, and no obvious rival in La Liga possessing Madrid’s firepower, Mbappe’s second season could be even more dominant than his first.
After a grueling campaign and a deep run with France at Euro 2024, Mbappe is enjoying a well-deserved post-season break. He’s scheduled to return to pre-season training with Real Madrid on August 4.
His competitive season will kick off with Madrid’s La Liga opener against Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu on August 19. The world will be watching — and so will Madridistas, eager to see their new No. 10 take center stage in his second season.
Real Madrid’s decision to give Mbappe the No. 10 shirt is about much more than nostalgia or marketing. It’s a calculated move to cement his place as the face of the club for the next decade. It’s a gesture that says: You’re not just another Galactico — you are the Galactico.
And with his performances last season, his ambitions for the future, and his relentless hunger to be the best, Mbappe is ready to live up to everything that the number represents.
