Kylian Mbappé to Wear Iconic Number 10 Jersey at Real Madrid

Madrid – Kylian Mbappé will switch to the famous number 10 jersey at Real Madrid next season, according to reports confirmed by ESPN. The French superstar previously wore the number 9 shirt during his debut season with Los Blancos. The number 10 became available after Luka Modrić, who held it for 13 years, departed for AC Milan following the expiration of his contract.

Mbappé’s Preference for Number 10

Mbappé has long been associated with the number 10, which he also wears for the French national team. Sources reveal that the 25-year-old forward had planned to take the number at Madrid as soon as it was free. However, had Modrić extended his contract for another year, Mbappé was reportedly prepared to continue wearing number 9.

A Stellar Debut Season Despite Trophy Drought

Mbappé enjoyed a record-breaking debut campaign at Real Madrid after his high-profile move from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). He scored 31 goals in La Liga, becoming the competition’s top scorer and surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s 33-goal debut season record for the club.

His goals included crucial strikes in key matches:

• 2 goals in the UEFA Super Cup win over Atalanta (2-0)

• 3 goals in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup victory against Pachuca (3-0)

• Goals in the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup, though Madrid lost to Barcelona in the latter.

Challenges and Criticism

Despite his individual brilliance, Real Madrid failed to secure a major trophy last season. They finished second in La Liga behind Barcelona and were knocked out of the Champions League in the quarterfinals by Arsenal.

Mbappé also faced setbacks during the Club World Cup in the USA, where gastroenteritis forced him to miss the group stage. Although he returned for the knockout rounds, Madrid suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat to his former club, PSG, in the semifinals.

What’s Next for Mbappé?

With the number 10 jersey now his, expectations are sky-high for Mbappé to lead Real Madrid to silverware in the upcoming season. Fans will be eager to see if he can replicate his PSG success and help the club reclaim its dominance in Europe and Spain.

The pressure is on, but if anyone can deliver, it’s Kylian Mbappé.