Kylian Mbappe has officially inherited Real Madrid’s revered number 10 jersey, a symbolic transition confirmed on July 29th that signals the dawn of a new era at the Santiago Bernabeu.
This momentous handover follows the departure of midfield maestro Luka Modric, who gracefully concluded his illustrious thirteen-year tenure with Los Blancos in May, having worn the iconic shirt with distinction since the 2017/18 season.
Modric, who arrived from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, swiftly established himself as one of the greatest midfielders in the club’s storied history. His departure leaves a void that Real Madrid and the football world will keenly observe, yet his legacy of composure, tactical brilliance, and unwavering commitment will forever be etched in the Bernabeu’s annals.
During his remarkable 597 appearances for the club, the Croatian legend amassed an astonishing 28 trophies. This incredible haul includes six European Cups, six Club World Cups, five European Super Cups, four Spanish league titles, two Copas del Rey, and five Spanish Super Cups. Even in his twilight years, Modric continued to deliver pivotal performances in high-pressure matches, setting the standard for Madrid’s midfield.
Mbappe, at 26 years old, had initially donned the number nine shirt upon his much-anticipated arrival from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2024, signing a five-year deal. Despite the team’s collective challenges that season, Mbappe enjoyed phenomenal individual success, setting a club record for goals in a debut campaign.
Across 59 appearances in all competitions during his inaugural season, Kylian Mbappe netted a remarkable 44 goals: 31 in LaLiga, seven in the Champions League, and six more across other competitions like the Copa del Rey, European Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. This staggering offensive output underscores his potential to lead Real Madrid to future glory.
The number 10 shirt at Real Madrid carries immense symbolic weight and a rich lineage. Mbappe steps into a heritage previously graced by football icons such as Ferenc Puskas, Clarence Seedorf, Luis Figo, Mesut Ozil, James Rodriguez, and, most recently, Luka Modric himself. This jersey signifies not only creative flair but also leadership and a central playmaking role on the pitch.
Mbappe has already embraced the mantle of the number 10 on the international stage, consistently wearing it for the French national team. His proficiency in this role for his country suggests a seamless transition to the demanding expectations associated with the legendary jersey at Real Madrid, where fans anticipate his continued brilliance.
In a subtle yet poignant gesture of approval, Luka Modric himself reacted with a flame emoji under Mbappe’s social media post announcing the switch, an understated signal of his support for the handover of the shirt he carried with such distinction. This moment cemented the passing of the torch from one football icon to another.
As Xabi Alonso prepares to guide Real Madrid into a new competitive era as head coach, Kylian Mbappe now wears the number that defines eras, responsibilities, and immense expectations. This iconic jersey change truly marks both an end—the closing chapter of Modric’s unforgettable era—and a significant beginning: the full embrace of Los Blancos’ creative mantle by their new superstar.
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