Kylian Mbappé will switch his number to 10 with Real Madrid 

Luka Modrić was the most recent to wear No. 10 for the club.

The iconic No. 10 shirt at Real Madrid is about to gain a new and electrifying owner — Kylian Mbappé. Following his high-profile arrival at the Santiago Bernabéu this summer, the French superstar is set to don the historic number once worn by club legend Luka Modrić, who gracefully stepped aside after years of service.

Mbappé’s choice marks a symbolic changing of the guard at the Spanish capital. The No. 10 jersey has long represented flair, leadership, and creativity in Real Madrid’s lineup. From Ferenc Puskás to Luís Figo and more recently Modrić, the number is reserved for players who shape the team’s identity on the pitch.

Luka Modrić, now 39, is entering what could be his final season with the club. Sources close to the dressing room report that the Croatian maestro agreed to pass on the number personally, signifying both respect and recognition for Mbappé’s arrival as a generational talent.

The decision was reportedly made after closed-door meetings between club president Florentino Pérez, manager Carlo Ancelotti, and senior players, including Modrić himself. It was important that the transition happened with grace and approval — and Mbappé’s influence within the club seems to be growing before he has even kicked a ball.

For Mbappé, wearing the No. 10 is not just about aesthetics — it’s about status. He wore the number with pride for the French national team and has long viewed it as a symbol of his leadership and ambition. Taking over that number at Real Madrid signals the club’s intention to build its future around him.

However, not everyone at Madrid is celebrating the change. Young Turkish midfielder Arda Güler had reportedly set his sights on the No. 10 shirt. After Modrić’s eventual departure, many expected Güler — one of the most promising talents at the club — to inherit the number as a sign of the club’s long-term vision and youth development.

According to reports circulating in Spanish media, Güler was visibly upset after the announcement. While Mbappé smiled alongside the coaching staff, Güler allegedly shouted across the locker room: “You came here for fame. I’m here for my dreams and my blood!” — a chilling expression of frustration and passion.

The dramatic exchange has stirred tension in the Madrid dressing room. Senior players like Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham are said to have intervened to defuse the situation, while Ancelotti quickly moved to contain the media fallout by banning any press comments on the matter.

While Real Madrid has not issued any official statement, the situation leaves the club with a difficult balance to strike. They must ensure that welcoming a global icon like Mbappé doesn’t come at the expense of the harmony and morale of their rising stars.

The incident also raises important questions about Real Madrid’s priorities — is the club shifting toward a galáctico model again, or can it still nurture and reward its homegrown and young talents? Fans are split, with many supporting Mbappé as the face of a new era, while others stand with Güler, feeling his loyalty and efforts are being overlooked.

For now, all eyes will be on how the season unfolds — not just on the pitch, but in the emotional and psychological dynamic of one of the most powerful locker rooms in football.