Real Madrid will offer the No. 10 shirt to Mbappe; teenage gem likely to take No. 9 | OneFootball

There are a lot of changes happening at Real Madrid following what has been a rather underwhelming campaign compared to their usual standards.

Carlo Ancelotti is already out with Xabi Alonso taking over the reins heading into the summer’s FIFA Club World Cup.

Veterans like Lucas Vazquez and Luka Modric are also set to depart while some major new signings are also in the works.

Shirt number changes

With Modric’s imminent departure, the iconic No. 10 shirt will become vacant at Real Madrid.

And, according to AS, the Merengues are preparing to offer superstar Kylian Mbappe the No.10 shirt set to be vacated by Modric. It has long been the plan, and with the Croatian legend stepping aside, the offer is back on the table.

The No.10 had originally been earmarked for Mbappe this season, but Modric’s last-minute contract renewal, announced a day after Mbappe’s unveiling, delayed the handover.

New shirt numbers for Mbappe and Endrick. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Real Madrid have always seen the ’10’ as a natural fit for the French forward, given it is the number he wears for the national team. It is a move designed to align his image with his France persona and maximise his marketing potential.

Wearing the #9 shirt in his debut season, Mbappe has delivered: European Golden Boot winner, Pichichi Trophy winner, and one goal short of equalling his best season – 44 goals in 2023/24. The decision now rests with the player: accept the #10 or stick with No. 9.

Who will take the No. 9?

Should Mbappe switch, the #9 shirt at Real Madrid would be up for grabs. The favourite to inherit it is Endrick, who also arrived last summer and took the No. 16 shirt.

This was the original plan last summer: #10 for Mbappe, #9 for Endrick. Modric’s extension simply postponed it.

No Brazilian has worn it at Madrid since Ronaldo Nazario in 2007.