It’s official: Kylian Mbappé will wear the iconic No. 10 shirt for Real Madrid during the upcoming 2025–26 season, inheriting the famous number from club legend Luka Modrić.
According to French outlet L’Équipe, the decision to grant him the number was made entirely by the club. It is understood that Mbappé himself did not ask for the shirt, but Real Madrid’s hierarchy chose to bestow the honour upon him, cementing his status as the new face of the club.
The choice is a logical one for several reasons. Mbappé was always considered the frontrunner to inherit the number, as he has previously worn it for AS Monaco and currently wears it for the French national team. His brilliant debut campaign for Madrid last season further solidified his claim as the team’s leading star.
The decision is also driven by significant commercial motivations. Real Madrid are reportedly expecting to achieve record-breaking shirt sales from the new “Mbappé 10” jersey, capitalizing on his global superstardom.
However, the decision was not made without considering other options. Turkish sensation Arda Güler had also emerged as a contender. According to MARCA, Güler “wanted to wear” the iconic number, especially after Modrić symbolically gave the youngster his shirt after his final appearance for the club.
Despite Güler’s desire and the former holder’s symbolic gesture, Real Madrid have ultimately placed their faith—and the immense weight of the No. 10—on the shoulders of their biggest superstar. The move confirms Mbappé’s status as the undisputed leader of the club’s new era.