Credit: Kai Pfaffenbach-Reuters via Imagn Images

Kylian Mbappe to Wear Iconic Jersey No. 10 at Real Madrid

French Superstar Inherits Iconic Jersey As Real Madrid Enter New Era.

Credit: Kai Pfaffenbach-Reuters via Imagn Images

Kylian Mbappe is set to wear the iconic No. 10 jersey at Real Madrid for the coming 2025-26 season. He will be replacing club legend Luka Modric, who has departed for AC Milan after a 13-year spell in the Spanish capital. Mbappe had worn the No. 9 in his debut season.

The No. 10 shirt holds a rich legacy at the Santiago Bernabéu. Club icons and legends, like Luis Figo, James Rodríguez, Mesut Ozil, and most recently Modric have worn the number during their spells at the club. Modric, especially, redefined the number with his elegance and tactical brilliance.

Ten ten. Kylian Mbappé will wear the number 10 for both club and country. pic.twitter.com/7XK7TAKJBw
— Sports Illustrated FC (@SI_FootballClub) July 23, 2025

According to Marca, Real Madrid see Mbappé’s jersey switch not only as a squad update, but also as a ‘symbolic passing of the torch.’ Sources have told ESPN that it had always been the plan for Mbappe to take over the No. 10 shirt once it became available.

The French star also wears the number for his national team. As the No. 10 for his national team, Mbappe has been leading his team as the captain since 2023. Reportedly, Mbappe was willing to wait another year for the jersey if Modric extended his contract and decided to stay.

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A Statement of Leadership for Kylian Mbappe

Wearing the No. 10 is a signal of Mbappe’s growing influence at Real Madrid. Despite an individually stellar debut season Mbappe faced a lot of criticism as Los Blancos failed to secure a major trophy. Notably, he scored 31 goals to become LaLiga’s top scorer and broke Cristiano Ronaldo’s debut season record.

The club finished second in La Liga behind Barcelona and suffered a Champions League quarterfinal exit to Arsenal. Mbappe also struggled to make an impact at the Club World Cup in the United States a few days ago. There, he missed the group stages due to illness.

Also Read: Arsenal Monitoring Rodrygo and Gordon — But Moves Depend on Outgoings

Even when he came back, he couldn’t prevent a heavy 4-0 semifinal defeat to his former club PSG. Still, his jersey change represents more than solely his performance. It reflects Real Madrid’s commitment to him as a long-term leader. Expectedly, the move should also bring major commercial implications.

From a marketing standpoint, this would be a golden opportunity for the club. Vinícius Jr. is keeping No. 7, Jude Bellingham holding onto No. 5, and uncertainty is surrounding Rodrygo’s future with No. 11. In the midst of it, Mbappe’s No. 10 now anchors Los Blancos side that are set to give a serious run in every competition this season.

Kylian Mbappe

Luka Modric

Real Madrid

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.