Kylian Mbappe gets his Real Madrid wish! French forward to take new shirt number after summer reshuffle

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Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe is reportedly on the verge of taking over the famed No. 10 shirt as the club gears up for the 2025–26 season. After his first year in the Spanish capital, the 26-year-old appears set to trade his current No. 9 shirt - previously worn by the likes of Karim Benzema - for the number vacated by club legend Luka Modric, according to MARCA.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Wearing the No. 9 jersey, the Frenchman delivered a debut season worthy of the hype, netting 44 goals across all competitions. His explosive performances earned him both the Pichichi Trophy for La Liga’s top scorer and the European Golden Boot, cementing his immediate impact in Spanish football.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

With Modric departing Real Madrid for AC Milan, the legendary Croatian playmaker left behind more than just memories; he also left his No. 10 shirt up for grabs. For Mbappe, who has long worn that number for the France national team and during his early days at AS Monaco, the opportunity to reclaim it at club level holds significance.

DID YOU KNOW?

From a marketing perspective, the decision is a win-win for Real Madrid. Last season, the club sold hundreds of thousands of shirts bearing 'Mbappe 9' on the back. Now, with the possibility of reintroducing the Frenchman with the No. 10 shirt, Real Madrid is poised to spark yet another surge in merchandise sales. The club views the transition not just as a footballing formality but as a strategic opportunity to enhance Mbappe’s global profile.

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WHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?

Currently enjoying a post-season break following a gruelling campaign, Mbappe is expected to report back to training on August 4. The first competitive match is slated for August 19 against Osasuna in La Liga at the Santiago Bernabeu.