Kylian Mbappe will wear the No.9 shirt at Real Madrid, a number made famous by Bernabeu legend Alfredo Di Stefano, but only temporarily.
Upon officially joining Real Madrid, Mbappe is set to be unveiled with the No.9 shirt, which has been vacant since Karim Benzema’s departure last summer.
- Chelsea to lose key player for 3 games next season after appeal dismissed
- UEFA takes decision on banning Man Utd & Man City from Europa League, UCL
- Rodrygo breaks silence on Man City transfer after Champions League final
However, Le Parisien reports that this is a temporary arrangement. Mbappe, who has been associated with No.7 at the club level and No.10 internationally, prefers No.10.
Currently, Vinicius Junior holds the No.7 at Real Madrid, while the No.10 is occupied by veteran midfielder Luka Modric, who will soon turn 39.
It is expected that Modric will extend his contract until 2025, after which he will leave the club, making the No.10 available for Mbappe.
By the 2025-26 season, Mbappe is anticipated to inherit the No.10 shirt, following in the footsteps of legends like Luis Figo, Clarence Seedorf, Ricardo Gallego, and Ferenc Puskas. This mirrors Cristiano Ronaldo’s approach when he joined Madrid in 2009, initially wearing No.9 until Raul vacated the No.7 jersey.
Mbappe, who has worn numbers 29 and 12 since his breakout at Monaco, has never worn No.9.
In addition to his move to Real Madrid, Mbappe aims to lead France to European Championship glory, their first since 2000.
Despite being among the pre-tournament favorites alongside England and hosts Germany, Mbappe will not represent his country at the Olympics, as Madrid has ruled out allowing their players to compete.
