Real Madrid set to offer number 10 shirt to Kylian Mbappe after Modric exit – reports

In what could become one of the most symbolic transitions in recent Real Madrid history, Spanish giants are reportedly set to offer the prestigious number 10 shirt to Kylian Mbappe following Luka Modric’s departure, according to El Chiringuito.

Modric, who has worn the number 10 jersey since 2012, is preparing for his farewell from Santiago Bernabéu after the Club World Cup later this year. The Croatian maestro, aged 39, leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, including six Champions League titles, three La Liga crowns, and a Ballon d’Or in 2018. His graceful exit will mark the end of an era — and the beginning of a new one.

The number 10 shirt at Real Madrid is steeped in history and creative brilliance. It has been worn by legends like Ferenc Puskás, Luis Figo, and more recently, by Modric himself, who has represented the values of elegance, leadership, and technical mastery. Now, those responsibilities and expectations appear destined for Kylian Mbappe.

Mbappe, who officially joined Real Madrid this summer after years of speculation and flirtation, has so far donned the number 9 shirt. It’s a nod to the club’s tradition of easing world-class players into the setup before handing them an iconic number. Cristiano Ronaldo followed a similar path, wearing number 9 in his debut season in 2009 before inheriting Raul’s number 7.

Despite speculation that Mbappe demanded the number 10 shirt as part of his contract negotiations, the French forward publicly dismissed such claims. In a previous interview, he emphasized his admiration for Luka Modric and insisted that he was content with the number 9 jersey. His focus, he said, was not on shirt numbers but on contributing to the team’s success.

However, internally, Real Madrid sees the number 10 shirt as more than just a number — it’s a baton of responsibility, leadership, and attacking inspiration. The club reportedly views Mbappe not only as a marquee signing but also as the new face of the team in the post-Modric era.

Mbappe’s relationship with the number 10 goes back to his roots. He has consistently worn the number for the French national team, where he has delivered countless magical moments, including lifting the World Cup in 2018. It’s a number associated with creators, dribblers, and match-winners — and Mbappe fits all those labels effortlessly.

The decision to hand him this iconic number also underlines the club’s long-term vision. At just 26, Mbappe is entering the prime of his career, and Madrid intends to build a new generation around his electric pace, lethal finishing, and charisma both on and off the pitch.

There is also a marketing angle to this move. The number 10 jersey, emblazoned with “Mbappe” on the back, is set to become one of the hottest commodities in the football merchandise world. With Mbappe already among the most recognizable figures in global sports, this symbolic gesture is bound to drive a new wave of fan engagement, merchandise sales, and global visibility.

Real Madrid fans are already bracing for the dawn of a new Galáctico era. With young stars like Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurélien Tchouaméni in the squad, adding Mbappe to that mix — wearing the revered number 10 — feels like a well-scripted dream.

There is a poetic element to the transition as well. Modric, the quiet genius, is making way for Mbappe, the expressive superstar. It reflects a shift in dynamics — from orchestrating with finesse to attacking with explosive flair. Yet both players, in their own ways, embody the Real Madrid spirit.

The club is also planning a special tribute to Modric, who will go down as one of the greatest midfielders in football history. His final matches at the Club World Cup will be emotionally charged, and fans will surely relish the opportunity to bid farewell to the Croatian maestro before welcoming the next bearer of the number 10.

As Real Madrid prepares for a new season filled with fresh ambitions — including the UEFA Super Cup, the Club World Cup, and another La Liga charge — the internal shift in leadership roles is a testament to the club’s constant evolution. While the faces may change, the standards remain untouched.

The official announcement regarding the jersey change is expected to come shortly after the Club World Cup, in coordination with Modric’s exit ceremony. Sources suggest the club will make a highly visual and public presentation, possibly during a home match at the Bernabéu, to reveal Mbappe as the new number 10.

As fans speculate on what this change truly symbolizes, one thing is clear: Real Madrid are not just preparing for the future — they are doing so with a clear strategy and an unwavering commitment to greatness. Mbappe receiving the number 10 is not just about tradition. It is a declaration that Madrid’s next era is ready to begin — and it’s going to revolve around Kylian Mbappe.

Whether he can match or exceed the heights set by his predecessors remains to be seen, but the stage is set, and the lights are now squarely focused on him.