Mbappé strongly hints at a new shirt number at Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappé’s journey at Real Madrid is already beginning to take on symbolic significance, even before his first official match in a white shirt.

After being handed the number 9 upon his arrival in the Spanish capital a number historically worn by great strikers including his fellow Frenchman Karim Benzema Mbappé is now widely expected to switch to the iconic number 10. The shirt became available following the departure of club legend Luka Modrić, and all signs suggest that Real Madrid is preparing to unveil Mbappé with the new number ahead of the 2025–26 season.

While a shirt number might seem superficial to some, at a club like Real Madrid where legacy, image, and symbolism matter deeply it carries immense weight. The number 10 has always been associated with creativity, flair, and leadership. For Mbappé, a player already seen as a generational talent and global superstar, the switch is not only a logical progression, but also a statement of intent. It signals the club’s belief that he is not just another galáctico, but the new centerpiece around whom a new dynasty can be built.

According to Spanish outlet Marca, Real Madrid sees this change as more than a sporting move. From a marketing perspective, giving Mbappé the number 10 shirt is a strategic masterstroke. The club is reportedly preparing for a massive spike in shirt sales, especially in international markets where Mbappé has become one of the most recognizable faces in football. Analysts are already drawing comparisons with the merchandising boom that followed Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival in 2009, when Real Madrid shattered all previous records for global shirt sales. Some believe Mbappé's number change could spark similar levels of consumer frenzy particularly with the Paris Olympics on the horizon and his role as a French icon continuing to rise.

There’s also a historical and psychological aspect to consider. When Cristiano Ronaldo arrived at Real Madrid from Manchester United, he wore the number 9 for his first season, as club legend Raúl still held the number 7 shirt. Once Raúl departed, Ronaldo took over the 7 and with it, embraced the full expectations of being Real Madrid’s talisman. He went on to become the club’s all-time top scorer and one of the greatest players in football history. Mbappé, similarly, is now making that symbolic transition after a season of settling in. His move from 9 to 10 could be seen as the moment he truly takes ownership of the team, stepping into the leadership role both on and off the pitch.

The number 10 shirt at Real Madrid carries its own legacy. Luka Modrić wore it with elegance and intelligence from 2017 until his recent departure, becoming one of the most beloved midfielders in club history and a Ballon d’Or winner. Before Modrić, the shirt was worn by a string of notable playmakers James Rodríguez, Mesut Özil, and Wesley Sneijder among them. Further back, the number graced the backs of Luís Figo and Robinho, two players known for their technical brilliance and attacking creativity. Even Lassana Diarra, though a more defensive player, wore the number during a key transitional period for the club.

Now, that legacy passes to Mbappé who has already been the number 10 for the French national team for several years, including during the 2018 World Cup triumph and the 2022 final. For him, the number is not just a preference but part of his footballing identity. He has said in past interviews that number 10 represents leadership, imagination, and the freedom to express oneself all qualities he hopes to bring to Real Madrid at the highest level.

From the club’s perspective, the timing of the switch could not be better. With Modrić’s departure marking the end of an era, Mbappé’s ascension into the symbolic number 10 comes just as a new wave of talent is emerging at the Bernabéu. Alongside Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr., Eduardo Camavinga, and Arda Güler, Mbappé is expected to form the core of a team built to dominate Europe for years to come. Wearing the 10, he won’t just be a striker or winger he’ll be seen as the face of the club.

Fans have already begun speculating about the unveiling of the new shirt, with reports suggesting Real Madrid may plan a special event at the Santiago Bernabéu to present Mbappé officially with the number 10 jersey possibly coinciding with the club’s season launch or just ahead of the Supercopa fixtures. Marketing campaigns, billboards, and social media teasers have begun to hint at something major, with Mbappé himself fueling speculation by posting cryptic messages and number 10 emojis on his social accounts.

The pressure, of course, will be immense. But Mbappé is no stranger to it. At just 26, he already has a World Cup title, multiple Ligue 1 championships, countless individual awards, and a resume that places him firmly among the elite. If anything, the number 10 shirt is a natural extension of the role he’s already assumed within the global football narrative.

Whether this moment marks the beginning of a new golden era for Real Madrid remains to be seen. But for now, it’s clear that the club and the football world is watching closely as Mbappé steps into a shirt worn by legends, with the expectation that he will not just live up to the history behind it, but write his own chapter in gold.