Mbappe to wear iconic No. 10 shirt at Real Madrid, report says

Real Madrid are set to hand the iconic No. 10 shirt to Kylian Mbappé ahead of the 2025–26 season, according to reports.

After arriving in the Spanish capital last summer, the 26-year-old Frenchman initially had to settle for the No. 9 shirt, previously worn by compatriot Karim Benzema. It proved a fine fit for his debut campaign, during which the former Paris Saint-Germain star netted an impressive 44 goals across all competitions.

However, with Luka Modrić's departure, the coveted No. 10 is now available. Mbappé previously wore the number at AS Monaco and continues to do so for the French national team.

Now, it appears he will have the opportunity to sport the same number for both club and country. According to ESPN, Mbappé has been confirmed as the new holder of Real Madrid's iconic No. 10 shirt.

Although young Turkish star Arda Güler was believed to be a potential candidate to inherit Modrić's shirt, ESPN reports that it had "always" been the plan for Mbappé to take the number once it was vacated. The France captain was reportedly prepared to wait an additional season had Modrić extended his contract with Los Blancos.

The pressure will now be on Mbappé to live up to the legacy associated with the shirt. Modrić wore the No. 10 for eight years during his 13-year spell at the club, amassing a record 28 trophies — the most won by any player in Real Madrid's illustrious history.

Other notable figures to have worn the No. 10 at the club include legends such as Ferenc Puskás and Mesut Özil, further adding to the weight of expectation.

Mbappé will be aiming to replicate his remarkable individual success from last season with the new number on his back. Despite winning both the Pichichi Trophy and the European Golden Boot in 2024–25, he was unable to help Real Madrid secure any major silverware — something he will no doubt be desperate to change in the coming campaign.