Real Madrid could make a bold change over Kylian Mbappe for the 2025/26 season.
Mbappe has enjoyed a sensational first year in Madrid, ending the 2024/25 domestic season with 43 goals across all competitions, just one behind his best-ever campaign tally at Paris Saint-German.
The France international will get the chance to add to that total at the FIFA Club World Cup this summer with 31 goals already securing him the La Liga Golden Boot award.
Despite Real Madrid’s failure to win a trophy – 2024/25 has been a fine season for Mbappe – and the club are ready to offer him a status from July.
Club captain Luka Modric will end his 13-year Los Blancos career after the Club World Cup and Real Madrid could hand Mbappe his No.10 shirt.
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Who will replace Modric as Real Madrid’s No.10?
The decision not to extend Modric’s contract for another year has split opinion amongst Real Madrid fans with Dani Carvajal expected to take over as club captain ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Reports from Diario AS indicate Real Madrid will now revive their long-standing plan to give Mbappe the No.10 after being unable to do so last summer.
After completing a free transfer deal to sign Mbappe in June 2024, Real Madrid planned to give him the same number he wears for France, before Modric opted to stay.
Another Modric extension meant Mbappe took over Karim Benzema’s No.9 and he admitted he was happy to wait for No.10.
“We already have a No.10 in Luka Modric; a legend, Ballon d’Or winner and champion of everything . I’m proud to be near him in the locker room,” Mbappe stated during his 2024 unveiling.
“The No.9 and 10 sit next to each other! It’s a great pleasure for me. I’m not worried about my number, I don’t look at what’s on my back; I look at the badge on the front and the goal. I can wear 22, 29 or 48, and still not see it.”
If Mbappe takes over the No.10, he will join some club icons to have worn the shirt, including Clarence Seedorf, Luis Figo and the legendary Ferenc Puskas.
Mbappe taking over No.10 means the No.9 will be passed on with Xabi Alonso considering a show of faith by offering it to teenage superstar Endrick Felipe.
The 19-year-old has endured a mixed first year at Madrid, but hopes remain high that he will fulfil his promise, after posting incredible goal numbers at Palmeiras.
The No.9 also carries serious weight at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu with previous wearers including Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo Nazario and Alfredo Di Stefano.
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