When Kylian Mbappé joined Real Madrid in 2024, he donned the number 9 shirt—still a prestigious number, but not yet the fabled No. 10 previously worn by legends such as Luka Modrić.

In the summer of 2025, Luka Modrić departed for AC Milan, making the No. 10 jersey available for the first time in years

Mbappé confirmed his acceptance with a single tweet—“10”—making it official that he’d wear No. 10 for both Real Madrid and France

This switch marked more than just a number change—it positioned Mbappé as a central figure, both on the pitch and in the club’s identity.

The Story Behind Mbappé's Number 10 at Real Madrid