Real Madrid are preparing to pass the torch as legendary midfielder Luka Modrić nears the end of his time at the club. With his expected retirement after the 2025 Club World Cup, the famous No. 10 jersey will become available—and the club already has a big name in mind for it.
Reports suggest that Real Madrid plan to offer the number to Kylian Mbappé, who currently wears No. 9. The French forward is no stranger to the No. 10 shirt, having worn it for the French national team. While he didn’t demand the number when he joined the Spanish giants, the club sees him as the natural heir to carry the legacy forward.
The No. 10 at Madrid carries serious weight, having been worn by stars like Luís Figo, Mesut Özil, James Rodríguez, and of course, Modrić. Giving it to Mbappé would not only recognize his star power on the pitch but also boost the club’s global brand, especially among younger fans and sponsors.
Whether Mbappé accepts the number or chooses to stick with No. 9, his influence at the Bernabéu continues to grow. With other young stars like Endrick also joining the fold, Real Madrid are clearly building a squad for the future—blending legendary legacies with exciting new talent.