Real Madrid Announces Kylian Mbappé’s New Jersey Number
Real Madrid has officially announced that Kylian Mbappé will don the coveted No. 10 jersey for the 2025-26 season. This comes after weeks of speculation regarding a possible change in his squad number. Initially, the news was leaked to ESPN on July 22, where sources indicated the French forward would be transitioning from the No. 9 he wore during his inaugural season at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The following day, Mbappé confirmed the switch himself with a brief post on X, simply stating “10.” Last season, he excelled in his role as the club’s leading scorer, netting 44 goals across 59 appearances, which also earned him his first European Golden Shoe.
Significance of the No. 10 Jersey
Though he had a productive year in the No. 9 shirt, the 26-year-old has a history with the No. 10, having worn it for most of his career prior to joining Real Madrid. At his former club, Paris Saint-Germain, he was assigned the No. 7, sharing the spotlight with teammates Neymar and Ousmane Dembélé.
The iconic No. 10 jersey holds remarkable significance at Real Madrid, previously worn by football legends who left a profound impact on the club’s history. The shirt became available following Luka Modric‘s transfer to AC Milan, concluding an impressive 13-year tenure that included numerous titles.
Legends of the No. 10 Jersey
Among those who have graced the No. 10 shirt at Real Madrid are esteemed figures like Raymond Kopa, who earned the moniker “Little Napoleon” during his time with the French national team, particularly after a stunning performance against Spain in 1955. Kopa became a vital part of the Madrid team that dominated European football, clinching three European Cups and two LaLiga titles in his initial years. He was awarded the Ballon d’Or in 1958 for his talent, finishing second to teammate Alfredo Di Stefano the following year.
The club has also been home to other notable No. 10s, such as Ferenc Puskas, who joined Real Madrid at the age of 31 and went on to secure three European Cups and five consecutive LaLiga titles by scoring 242 goals in just 262 matches. Uli Stielike, an instrumental midfielder, sported the emblematic jersey during his successful stint from 1979 to 1983, while Gheorghe Hagi made his mark in a challenging period for the club in the early 1990s.
Fernando Hierro, although primarily associated with the No. 6 shirt, had a memorable season in the No. 10 during 1991-92, producing an impressive 25 goals. Similarly, Michael Laudrup‘s controversial switch from Barcelona to Real Madrid in 1994 further highlights the jersey’s illustrious pedigree.
Clarence Seedorf and Luis Figo, both pivotal figures in Real Madrid’s history, contributed to the legacy of the No. 10 while Mesut Özil showcased his creativity as a key playmaker from 2011 to 2013. Finally, Luka Modric transitioned into the No. 10 jersey in 2017 after a successful phase in the No. 19, and he maintained this status of prominence until his recent move.
