Luka Modric's exit has left one of the club’s most iconic numbers up for grabs, and several names are in contention to inherit it. After a season where Real Madrid failed to meet expectations, Florentino Pérez opted for a change on the bench and strengthened the squad. So far, the club has signed four new players: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Franco Mastantuono, and Álvaro Carreras. However, one of the biggest remaining questions is: who will wear the legendary number 10?

Controversy Over the Symbolic Number

The No. 10 shirt has become one of the biggest talking points this summer especially following Lamine Yamal’sappointment as Barcelona’s new No. 10 after Ansu Fati departure, which created worldwide media buzz. Coincidentally, Real Madrid also finds itself without an official wearer of the No. 10 jersey. The end of Modric era has left this iconic number vacant at the Bernabéu.

It was in 2017 when the Croatian midfielder took on the No. 10. Since then, Modric became one of the greatest legendsin the club’s history, forming an unforgettable midfield trio alongside Kroos and Casemiro. However, now at nearly 40 years old, his time has come to an end.

Will Mbappé Take the Torch?

Now, Real Madrid is on the hunt for the next player to wear the iconic shirt, once donned by club and world football greats like Luís Figo, Clarence Seedorf, Fernando Hierro, and Ferenc Puskás. All signs point to Kylian Mbappé, one of the pillars of the new project, as the one to take on the honor and responsibility of wearing the No. 10.

Mbappé History With the No. 10

This wouldn't be the first time the French star wears the No. 10. In fact, the same year Modric took over the number vacated by James Rodríguez, Mbappé wore it for his final two matches at AS Monaco before joining PSG.

At Paris Saint-Germain, he sported several numbers: 29, 14, 7, and 17. However, it was with the French national teamthat he had the privilege of wearing the same No. 10 once worn by his idol Zinedine Zidane. In his first season at Real Madrid, Mbappé has been wearing the No. 9.

If Mbappé is given the No. 10, it would mark the end of a long-standing tradition of midfielders wearing that number for Los Blancos. Before Modric, the number belonged to James Rodríguez, Mesut Özil, Lassana Diarra, and Wesley Sneijder.

A New Battle of No. 10s

With Lamine Yamal at Barcelona and Kylian Mbappé at Real Madrid, LaLiga will feature two of its brightest stars wearing the No. 10 next season. It adds a new chapter to the everlasting rivalry between the two Spanish giantsa battle expected to be even fiercer than last season, where Barça came out on top in their head-to-head clashes.

Without a doubt, Kylian Mbappé would be a worthy successor to such a legendary number. However, Real Madrid has yet to make an official statement.
Do you think the Frenchman has earned the right to wear the iconic No. 10?