Mbappe to Don Iconic Number 10 Jersey at Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappe is set to become the latest Real Madrid legend to wear the celebrated number 10 jersey, following in the footsteps of iconic players like Ferenc Puskas, Clarence Seedorf, and Luis Figo.

The club formally announced on Tuesday that the French superstar will inherit the shirt following Luka Modric’s move to AC Milan.

Mbappe, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent last summer, initially received the number nine jersey for his inaugural season at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The change to the famous number 10 has been widely anticipated, as he also sports the same number for the French national team.

Despite Madrid’s overall disappointing season in terms of trophies, Mbappe had a noteworthy individual campaign.

The club concluded La Liga behind Barcelona, were eliminated by Arsenal in the Champions League quarterfinals, and were defeated by PSG in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final. They also suffered a defeat against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on April 26.

Mbappe’s Club World Cup experience in the United States was further complicated by a bout of illness. He was hospitalized with severe gastroenteritis, which caused him to be absent for the group stage matches.

He made a comeback for the knockout rounds, but Xabi Alonso’s team exited the competition after a significant 4-0 defeat by Mbappe’s former club.

Individually, the 26-year-old enjoyed a remarkable initial season in Madrid, netting 44 goals across all competitions.

His arrival from PSG in July 2024 was one of the most talked about transfers in recent years, quickly establishing him as a fan favorite at the Bernabeu.

Other prominent figures who have donned Madrid’s number 10 jersey include Gheorghe Hagi, Michael Laudrup, Robinho, and Mesut Ozil.