The number 10 jersey at Real Madrid was long worn by Luka Modrić. Following his departure, another young name has joined Kylian Mbappé in the conversation as a possible successor to the iconic shirt.
The buzz around Lamine Yamal receiving Barcelona’s number 10 has been going on for days. With Yamal, it feels like Barça finally found a worthy heir to Lionel Messi’s legendary jersey. After Messi, Ansu Fati wore the number 10 but couldn’t live up to the expectations due to injuries and inconsistency. Now, Barça fans hope Yamal will restore the prestige of that famous number.
As for Real Madrid, their eternal rivals, they are now part of the number 10 debate. Modrić had worn that jersey since the 2017–18 season, leading Madrid to countless triumphs.
But the Croatian legend won’t be seen at Madrid in the upcoming season. After leaving Los Blancos, Modrić joined AC Milan. His exit has left the number 10 vacant, sparking plenty of speculation about who will take it next.
Kylian Mbappé’s name has been at the forefront of that speculation. The number came up last year when Mbappé joined Madrid, though he didn’t claim it then because Modrić was still part of the squad. Instead, the French star took the number 9 shirt left behind by Karim Benzema. But after Modrić announced his departure in May, Mbappé’s name returned to the headlines.
Mbappé also wears the number 10 for France, which has fueled talk that he could do the same at Madrid next season. However, as Spanish outlet Marca reports, “Mbappé has not yet requested the number 10 jersey from the club,” meaning the decision rests with Real Madrid rather than the player himself.
At first, Mbappé seemed the sole contender, but now another name is in the frame. According to Marca, Turkish attacking midfielder Arda Güler is also in consideration for the number 10. The former Fenerbahçe starlet has impressed in his early days at Madrid.
New coach Xabi Alonso reportedly trusts Güler, and many see a bright future for the young midfielder in Madrid. After Real’s final match at the recent Club World Cup, Modrić even gave his jersey to Güler — a gesture many took as a symbolic passing of the torch. Still, fans will have to wait a bit longer to know who officially gets the coveted number 10.
There’s also a chance Real may not assign the jersey this season at all. The number 10 is not just a badge of honor but also a key marketing tool. Real Madrid knows how valuable the number can be commercially. Handing it to the right player could generate major sales, so they are expected to consider every angle before making a final decision.
