Kylian Mbappé Wants the No.10 Shirt at Real Madrid – But It’s Not That Simple

Kylian Mbappé has reportedly set his sights on the iconic No.10 shirt at Real Madrid ahead of the 2025/26 season, according to L'Équipe. With club legend Luka Modrić departing this summer, the number has become available — and the French superstar appears eager to make it his own.

However, things might not go as smoothly as expected. Spanish outlet Marca reports that young Turkish midfielder Arda Güler is also in line to inherit the prestigious number. After Modrić’s final appearance at the Santiago Bernabéu, he was seen handing his shirt directly to Güler — a gesture many interpreted as a symbolic passing of the torch.

What adds intrigue to the situation is Güler’s recent rise under new head coach Xabi Alonso. The 19-year-old has earned increased playing time and impressed both fans and the coaching staff, further strengthening his case for the No.10 shirt.

So why hasn’t Mbappé claimed the number already? Observers suggest that the decision is being made at the top level of the club, rather than by the players themselves. If the iconic jersey is still unassigned, it may indicate a power play behind the scenes at the Bernabéu.