Mbappé handed No.10, symbolic new chapter after Modrić departs

The French star Kylian Mbappé in the ranks of Real Madrid is expected to start the next season under a new number: it is said the club’s management has decided to give him the No.10 vacated by Modrić. Espn.com reported this, citing sources close to the club.

As is known, the Croatian maestro Luka Modrić, after many productive years, left Real and headed to Italian giant Milan. Thus the No.10 in the Madrid squad opened up, and the question of who would claim it had stirred fan interest.

During internal discussions several candidates were mentioned: some Spanish outlets even floated Brahim or Jude Bellingham, but it is emphasized that sentiment inside the club had leaned toward Mbappé from the outset. He is already associated with the No.10 in the France national team, and from an advertising/public-image standpoint the number is seen as a fit for him.

An ESPN source stresses that in his first year at the Santiago Bernabéu (last season) Mbappé reluctantly took the No.9 because the 10 then belonged to Modrić; had the Croatian legendary midfielder extended for another year, the Frenchman was ready to remain in the nine. But once Modrić left, the preplanned scenario kicked in.

It is said Modrić had been playing in the No.10 since 2018 (some international sources show differing data on when the number assignment began; a full check is required for the official date). In that sense the number’s passing to Mbappé is being interpreted as a major symbolic handover in club history.

Reuters wrote that after concluding a 13-year Madrid spell Modrić signed a one-year deal (with an extension option) with Milan. This departure serves not only as an amicable farewell but also as a key point in Real’s process of shaping a new-generation squad.

It is worth recalling that even wearing No.9 last season Mbappé put up serious numbers, scoring heavily in domestic competitions and international fixtures. Many argue that moving to No.10 could symbolically broaden his tactical role, see him used in a freer position, and present him as the new face of the club from a marketing perspective.

A Goal analysis notes that the switch of numbers is part of the summer rebuild and elevates Mbappé to a central-figure level in the club’s strategy. The move is viewed as a brand decision sending a strong media signal about the new project at the Bernabéu.

At the same time some sources remind that a full official club statement has not yet been released; therefore the final word on the number will come when the administration confirms the official roster. Until the information is formally confirmed, it is sensible to treat it as provisional.

Conclusion: should Mbappé take over the No.10 left by Modrić, the number will open a new chapter in the club’s history and future commercial projects. For the French star it will be an important symbol aligned with his image in the national team and one that can further reinforce his global brand. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!