Real Madrid are reportedly preparing to offer the legendary No. 10 shirt to French superstar Kylian Mbappé, currently worn by midfield maestro Luka Modrić, who has held it for nearly a decade. The shirt, once worn by legends like Luis Figo and Ferenc Puskás, carries a legacy of creativity, leadership, and stardom.
The iconic number will become available following the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, and sources close to the club confirm that Real Madrid plan to offer it first to Mbappé. The French forward, who joined the club in the summer of 2025, currently wears the No. 9 jersey. However, the No. 10 is being positioned as a symbolic gesture—an expression of the club’s confidence in his ability to lead a new era at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Should Mbappé accept the offer, it would mark the beginning of a monumental chapter in his career. His profile, both on and off the pitch, makes him an ideal candidate to inherit the number worn by some of the most revered figures in Madrid’s history. With his electrifying pace, goal-scoring instincts, and star power, Mbappé represents the modern Galáctico—ready to carry the torch into the next generation.
However, if the Frenchman decides to retain the No. 9 or opt for a different number, Real Madrid have a backup plan. Rising Turkish star Arda Güler, still only 20 years old, is next in line. Güler is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most promising young talents. The club sees him as a potential playmaker in the mold of past No. 10s and is closely monitoring his development with the senior squad.
Mbappé previously wore the No. 7 shirt at Paris Saint-Germain and dons the No. 10 for the French national team. While the No. 7 is currently held by Brazilian winger Vinícius Júnior at Madrid, the offer of the No. 10 reflects the club’s intent to make Mbappé the centerpiece of their long-term project.
For Madridistas around the globe, the prospect of seeing Mbappé in the famous white kit with the No. 10 on his back stirs immense excitement. It’s a visual that could come to define Real Madrid’s dominance in the coming years.
Whether Mbappé embraces the legacy of the No. 10 or chooses a different path, one thing is clear: Real Madrid view him as the heart of their future. And with the symbolic offer of the club’s most prestigious shirt number, Los Blancos are placing full faith in their new superstar to lead them into a new golden era.
