Xabi Alonso made an amazing announcement about the 10th jersey in Real Madrid and the captain Pazubandı. Arda Güler and Toni Kroos both took advantage of it !! 

In a stunning turn of events that’s already shaping the narrative for Real Madrid’s next era, newly appointed manager Xabi Alonso has made a pair of bold decisions that could redefine the club’s future. At a recent press conference, Alonso announced major shifts surrounding the iconic number 10 jersey and the captain’s armband—known in Turkish as the “Pazubandı.” Two names stood at the center of this dramatic change: Arda Güler and Toni Kroos.

Alonso, who officially took over from Carlo Ancelotti this summer, didn’t hesitate to stamp his authority and vision on the club from day one. Known for his tactical mind and calm demeanor during his playing days at Madrid, Alonso has now embraced the enormous responsibility of guiding the Spanish giants through a period of transition.

Among the many legacies that Ancelotti left behind was the delicate task of managing the midfield—especially following the departure of legends like Luka Modrić and the retirement of Toni Kroos. While fans speculated who would inherit the prestigious number 10 jersey after Modrić, few could have predicted Alonso’s choice: Arda Güler, the 20-year-old Turkish prodigy.

Güler joined Real Madrid in 2023 amid great fanfare but struggled to make a consistent impact during his debut season, largely due to injuries and stiff competition for playing time. Under Ancelotti, he remained a peripheral figure, used sparingly despite his evident potential. But now, under Alonso, that narrative is set to change.

By awarding Güler the number 10 jersey—previously worn by the likes of Modrić, Mesut Özil, James Rodríguez, and even Zinedine Zidane—Alonso has made a resounding statement of faith in the youngster. The message is clear: Arda Güler is no longer a prospect for tomorrow. He is a key figure for today.

According to reports from Valdebebas, Alonso sees Güler as a versatile midfielder who can thrive either as an advanced playmaker or in a double pivot system, much like Florian Wirtz under Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen. The tactical resemblance between Güler and Wirtz is likely one of the driving reasons behind Alonso’s confidence in Arda’s breakthrough potential.

Sources close to the team suggest that Alonso has been closely monitoring Güler’s training performances and was especially impressed by his sharpness, vision, and attitude heading into the pre-season. This jersey handover is not just symbolic—it is an open invitation for Güler to lead the creative engine of one of the biggest football clubs in the world.

Just as striking as the number 10 decision was Alonso’s announcement regarding the captaincy structure. Although Kroos retired from professional football in 2024, Alonso revealed that the German maestro will continue to play a crucial role off the pitch. While not returning as a player, Kroos is expected to take up a leadership and mentoring role, influencing squad decisions, especially around leadership within the dressing room.

The suggestion that Kroos could help identify or guide the next captain indicates the club’s desire to preserve continuity and uphold the standards of professionalism that Kroos embodied. This aligns with Alonso’s strategy of blending experience with youthful energy to build a balanced and resilient team.

Many insiders believe Kroos may be given an advisory or ambassadorial role, similar to the positions held by former Madrid legends like Raúl or Roberto Carlos. His presence, even in a non-playing capacity, will be vital in shaping the mindset of younger players, particularly midfielders like Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and now, Arda Güler.

The German legend’s impact at Real Madrid is immeasurable. Over the course of nearly a decade, Kroos was the calming heartbeat of the midfield, orchestrating games with his trademark composure and tactical brilliance. Keeping him within the club ecosystem ensures that this winning culture remains intact.

Alonso’s double announcement is more than a symbolic gesture—it reflects a larger philosophical approach. With the exits of Modrić and Kroos as active players, Real Madrid risked a leadership void and a midfield identity crisis. Instead of scrambling for short-term fixes, Alonso is investing in the club’s long-term future by elevating Güler and retaining Kroos.

There’s also the tactical dimension to consider. Alonso is reportedly experimenting with a 3-4-3 formation, or a flexible 4-2-3-1, where the number 10 plays a pivotal role. Güler’s technical gifts, close control, and eye for goal make him a natural fit for that advanced role, operating behind the striker and pulling the creative strings.

Alonso’s strategy seems designed not only to secure results but to usher in a new brand of football—dynamic, precise, and inspired by the club’s storied traditions. And while he honors the past, he is not afraid to pass the torch forward.

The impact of these decisions is already reverberating through the fan base. Supporters in Turkey have celebrated Arda Güler’s elevation with national pride, seeing it as a historic breakthrough moment for Turkish football. Madridistas around the world, meanwhile, are excited about the dawn of a new identity built around a new generation.

As for Kroos, fans are relieved to see that his legacy won’t simply be left in the past. His continued involvement symbolizes stability and wisdom during what could be a tumultuous but exciting rebuilding phase.

With these calculated moves, Xabi Alonso has shown that he’s not merely a caretaker manager. He is here to shape a new era—one where icons are honored, but the future takes center stage. The 2025/26 season is still weeks away, but already, the blueprint is visible.

Real Madrid, under Alonso’s stewardship, will aim not just to win but to evolve, blending youthful promise and veteran insight in a way few clubs manage successfully. And at the heart of it all? Arda Güler wearing number 10… and Toni Kroos still leading by example, even from the sidelines.

This is more than a squad update. It’s a cultural shift. A legacy preserved. And a new chapter written at the Santiago Bernabéu.