Kylian Mbappé will be Real Madrid’s new number 10 next season
Kylian Mbappé will don the prestigious No. 10 shirt at Real Madrid starting next season, taking over the number worn for years by club legend Luka Modrić, who recently transferred to AC Milan after the Club World Cup.
The announcement, confirmed by Marca, marks a symbolic moment in the French superstar’s career at Madrid, as the club looks to maximize both on-field influence and off-field commercial power.
Mbappé Inherits a Legendary Number
Mbappé previously wore the No. 9 jersey following his blockbuster move from Paris Saint-Germain, but Real Madrid had been planning the switch internally for some time. The No. 10 shirt, worn by Modrić for over a decade, became available after the Croatian midfielder’s move to Milan was finalized.
The French forward also wears No. 10 for the national team, making the transition a natural one. Club executives believe the change aligns with Mbappé’s stature and global appeal.
A Strategic Move for Global Branding
While Mbappé made no formal request for the number change, he was notified and quickly approved the decision. According to club sources, Real Madrid sees this move as an opportunity to further elevate Mbappé’s brand and drive global shirt sales.
Despite wearing No. 9 last season, the striker was Madrid’s top scorer with 44 goals, and his jersey sales already ranked among the highest in the squad. The club now anticipates a major boost with the launch of the new No. 10 kit.
Real Madrid expects the updated jersey to be available to fans within days, and is preparing for record-breaking sales, particularly at upcoming preseason events and the opening weeks of the La Liga campaign.
Return Scheduled for August 4
Mbappé has been on vacation since July 9, following PSG’s elimination in the Club World Cup semifinals. He is due to report back to Madrid’s training camp on August 4, giving coach Xabi Alonso time to fully integrate the striker before the official season kickoff.
The club plans for Mbappé to debut the No. 10 jersey during one of Real Madrid’s preseason friendlies in August, setting the stage for a high-profile start to the 2025/26 season.
