From the moment Kylian Mbappé stepped off the plane in Madrid, speculation buzzed around whether he would don the sacred No. 10 shirt at Real Madrid. That number carries weight — for creativity, leadership, and a lineage of legends. In this article, AvigGoal will take you inside the drama, facts, and meaning behind the switch, answering at last: will Mbappé get number 10?
Why the No. 10 Matters at Real Madrid
The No. 10 shirt isn’t just a digit — it’s a mantle. At Madrid, it evokes memories of Luis Figo, Clarence Seedorf, Mesut Özil, and, most recently, Luka Modrić. It signals prestige, influence, and a dee.
For Mbappé, who has long worn No. 10 with the French national team, it’s not only a return to familiar territory — it’s symbolic of his role in Madrid’s future. Previously, he adopted No. 9 during his debut season (2024–25), largely because Modrić still held No. 10. But with Modrić’s departure, that door cracked open.
Switching to No. 10 does more than change a jersey — it reshapes expectations. It places Mbappé in alignment with past maestros and intensifies the spotlight on him in every match.
The Confirmation: Yes — It’s Official
All doubts were laid to rest in mid-2025. Real Madrid and Mbappé both confirmed the switch for the 2025–26 season.
- The club updated its official squad list, listing Mbappé as No. 10.
- Mbappé himself posted a simple “10” to his social media, letting fans and media connect the dots.
- In a press appearance, he explained that Real Madrid offered him the number during the summer, and he accepted the opportunity.
Thus, will Mbappé get number 10? He already has. The change is live for 2025–26.
This switch is now part of his identity at Madrid. He steps into the number formerly worn by Modrić, marking a narrative shift —.
What It Symbolizes for Mbappé and Madrid
Changing numbers isn’t merely cosmetic. It tells a story. Here’s what Mbappé’s move to the No. 10 suggests:
Leadership Role Elevated
No. 10 implies playmaking, vision, sometimes even a hybrid attacker-midfielder role. Mbappé isn’t just a finisher now — he becomes a fulcrum in attack, expected to link play, create, and influence matches beyond goals.
Marketing Power
The No. 10 jersey is among the most coveted for fans and sponsors. Giving it to Mbappé amplifies his branding and the club’s commercial appeal.
A Passing of the Torch
Modrić’s exit leaves a void. The shirt change signals a generational handover: Mbappé is stepping out of the newcomer shadow into a leadership dimension.
Greater Pressure
With the number comes legend weight. Every misstep will be magnified. Mbappé’s performance will now be judged against not just his own standards — but those of storied No. 10s before him.
What Happens to No. 9? The Next Story
With Mbappé vacating No. 9, attention turns to who inherits that iconic forward number.
The leading candidate is Endrick, Madrid’s highly touted Brazilian youngster. Indeed, Endrick is expected to take No. 9 for the 2025–26 season. That is widely predicted and aligns with the natural striker’s role he fills in the squad.
Other names like Gonzalo have been floated, but the early bet is on Endrick, making this jersey drama a subplot in the larger evolution of Madrid’s forward line.
Mbappé’s Fit In No. 10: Style, Stats, Impact
Can Mbappé truly wear No. 10 in spirit as well as number? There’s reason to believe yes — and with numbers behind him.
- In his debut season at Madrid (with No. 9), he scored 44 goals across all competitions, becoming the club’s top scorer.
- He won the European Golden Shoe that year, showing his elite finishing ability even while adapting to a new club and system.
- Having played No. 10 for France, he already has comfort in the aesthetic of the role: creative forward, link-up threat, goal threat.
What changes now is tactical expectation. Under coach Xabi Alonso, Mbappé may be asked to drop dee, and goal sense give him the tools to flourish — as long as he adapts mentally and tactically.
Fan Reaction, Risks, and Comparisons
The move is emotionally rich for fans. Some adore it — seeing it as deserved recognition. Others fear Mbappé could buckle under the legacy load.
- Supporters draw parallels to Cristiano Ronaldo’s early switch.
- Skeptics worry Mbappé’s brand-first image won’t survive the deeper, more nuanced demands of No. 10.
- Comparisons to Modrić are inevitable, though Mbappé brings a different profile: less midfield meticulousness, more attacking flare.
The risk is that expectations outpace adaptation. But Mbappé has already shown mental toughness. If he balances his scoring with creative involvement, the switch could redefine Madrid’s attack.
Will Mbappé Get Number 10 At Other Levels?
While the spotlight is on his club role, consider:
- French national team: Mbappé has long worn No. 10 for France. It’s familiar territory and factored into his branding.
- Legacy and all-star matches: He’s likely to use the same number in exhibitions and charity matches, reinforcing continuity.
So yes — even beyond Madrid, Mbappé’s identity as a No. 10 is consolidating.
Final Thoughts
Will Mbappé get number 10? The answer is clear: he already has. In the summer of 2025, Real Madrid and Mbappé formalized the switch, placing him into a number laden with history and expectation.
This change is more than symbolic. It redefines his role, intensifies pressure, expands his brand, and sets the stage for his legacy in Madrid. Fans will watch every touch, pass, and goal with heightened scrutiny — but also with fresh hope.
Now that you know the full story behind his number change, stay tuned for how Mbappé handles the weight of the 10 and whether he elevates it into a legacy. Want to dive deeper? Let AvigGoal guide you through match analyses, stats, and how Mbappé’s first season as No. 10 plays out.
