🔥 Last Minutes: Toni Kroos also spoke about the owner of the number 10 uniform that Luka Modric will leave after retirement in Real Madrid: “Arda Güler deserves that jersey most, nobody else can wear it”

Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has sparked a wave of reactions across the football world after declaring Arda Güler as the rightful successor to Luka Modric’s iconic number 10 jersey. As Modric’s illustrious career at Real Madrid nears its conclusion, speculation over who will inherit the legendary number has intensified. Kroos, who retired from professional football in 2024 after a trophy-laden career with Los Blancos, made his bold statement during his podcast, Einfach Mal Luppen.

Kroos’s words have not gone unnoticed, as his endorsement carries immense weight given his legendary status at the Santiago Bernabeu. The German midfielder emphasized that Güler possesses the unique blend of creativity, vision, and composure needed to don the iconic jersey, famously worn by football greats like Ferenc Puskas, Zinedine Zidane, and, most recently, Luka Modric.

Arda Güler, who joined Real Madrid from Fenerbahçe in the summer of 2023, has shown glimpses of brilliance despite limited playing time, largely due to injuries and fierce competition within the squad. The 19-year-old’s standout performances in La Liga and Copa Del Rey have caught the attention of fans and pundits alike, prompting Kroos to assert that Güler’s qualities mirror those of his iconic predecessors.

Kroos highlighted Güler’s exceptional ability to control the game’s tempo, create scoring opportunities, and display remarkable composure under pressure. Reflecting on his experiences playing alongside the young talent, Kroos expressed his confidence that Güler is the only player capable of continuing Modric’s legacy. He noted, “Arda has a special quality—he sees the game differently, which is rare. Number 10 isn’t just about skill; it’s about responsibility.”

The timing of Kroos’s comments is significant, as Modric’s future at Real Madrid remains uncertain, with the veteran midfielder considering retirement at the end of the season. As one of the most revered figures in the club’s recent history, Modric’s departure would mark the end of an era. Kroos’s endorsement of Güler thus not only signals a passing of the torch but also elevates the young midfielder’s status within the club.

However, not everyone agrees with Kroos’s stance. Some fans and analysts argue that placing the responsibility of the number 10 jersey on Güler might be premature, considering his relatively short tenure at the club and the fierce competition from established stars like Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde. Nonetheless, Kroos’s unwavering support has undoubtedly put Güler in the spotlight as a potential future leader.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has also hinted at Güler’s potential, recalling the pivotal Facetime call during which he convinced the young star to join the club. Ancelotti reportedly assured Güler of a prominent role in the team as the legendary Modric and Kroos aged out of regular play. This foresight from the Italian coach now appears prophetic as Güler’s prominence grows.

The debate over Real Madrid’s next midfield leader has intensified since Kroos’s podcast remarks. With Valverde already wearing the number 8 jersey, traditionally associated with Kroos, the number 10 holds a different legacy—one that embodies creativity, leadership, and technical brilliance. Kroos’s public backing of Güler suggests that he believes the Turkish midfielder is up to the challenge.

On social media, reactions to Kroos’s declaration have been mixed. While some supporters embrace the idea of a young and dynamic player inheriting the iconic number, others remain cautious, worried that the pressure could stifle Güler’s development. Regardless, the young midfielder now finds himself under the spotlight, tasked with living up to the expectations set by one of the club’s most respected voices.

As the 2025-26 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Güler to see whether he can rise to the occasion and cement his place among Real Madrid’s elite. Kroos’s endorsement, while bold, has opened a new chapter in the ongoing narrative of Madrid’s quest to find their next iconic playmaker. Whether Güler can meet these lofty expectations remains to be seen, but for now, Toni Kroos has made his stance clear: Arda Güler deserves the number 10 jersey.