Luka Modric parted ways with Real Madrid this summer after spending 13 illustrious years at Santiago Bernabeu.
The Croatian star has not only left behind a legacy, but also his iconic No. 10 shirt. Following his last match at Real Madrid, Modric was seen giving his jersey to Arda Guler, which appeared to be a sign of passing the torch.
However, the ultimate decision on who would don the No.10 shirt in the upcoming 2025/26 season was for the club to make, and Real Madrid have awarded it to Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe wears the No.10 shirt for the France national team, and reports suggested that he would have liked the same at Real Madrid, but upon his arrival there last season, the jersey number was not vacant.
However, Mbappe receiving the No.10 shirt at Real Madrid over Guler has not been taken well by many fans, who believe the Turkish talent should have inherited it as Modric’s successor.
Some fans have also been in favor of the decision of Mbappe wearing the No.10 shirt.
Fans’ reaction to Kylian Mbappe being Real Madrid’s new No.10 over Arda Guler
The decision over Mbappe being awarded the No. 10 at Real Madrid not only fulfills the Frenchman’s wishes but also helps the club turn in a good profit.
With his arrival at Santiago Bernabeu last year, Mbappe was given the No. 9 shirt, and that jersey saw a surge of sales. The 26-year-old’s new number is a great move by the Spanish club from a marketing perspective, while it also helps the player’s global profile.
However, Real Madrid’s decision did not seem to have earned all of their fans’ approval. While some believe Guler should have been given the No.10 shirt, others argued Mbappe’s experience and achievement make him a better fit for it.
Here are some of the fans’ posts on X (formerly Twitter):
The real owner of number 10 is Arda Güler. But Real Madrid chose Mbappé because football is no longer about success, it’s all about money and jersey sales. 👏🏻(No hate!) https://t.co/tDnDtxDlFO
— Arda (@kingbeofguler) July 23, 2025
Guler should wear it
Mbappe should continue wearing his number 9— U.C (DMGCTL) (@nwobu_uche40656) July 24, 2025
Justice for guler https://t.co/nJPN7lDYCu
— ホセ モリノ キンララ 🏴🌐 (@AmyOziL) July 24, 2025
i honestly don’t think that it’s that deep, Mbappe is pushing 30 and Güler is still young, he can take the number 10 once mbappe leaves. https://t.co/6zsYmvjQ7p
— RMFCTeam (@RMFC_team) July 23, 2025
you mention succes but Mbappe was literally one of Real Madrid bright sparks being top scorer of the team and winning European golden shoe. What has Arda done to deserve the 10 over Mbappe?
— Jonnis (@RMA_Jonnis) July 23, 2025
While the debate over the No. 10 might continue for a bit, Real Madrid are set to kick off the 2025/26 season with their opening La Liga match against Osasuna on August 19 at Santiago Bernabeu.
