Real Madrid goal machine could wear the No. 10 jersey next season | OneFootball

Kylian Mbappe has been going through a tough time ever since landing on US soil earlier this month.

The Frenchman is suffering from a viral illness, which has taken a heavy toll on his body while forcing him to miss Real Madrid’s opening two matches in the FIFA Club World Cup.

Reports suggest Mbappe may have lost around 4-5 kilos due to his viral illness and the player could even miss Real Madrid’s next match against RB Salzburg.

Mbappe may wear number ten shirt next season

While Mbappe’s fitness is definitely a concern, MARCA reports that there is also some chatter going on about the Frenchman’s shirt number next season.

After a stellar debut campaign wearing number 9, where he plundered 43 goals to win the Pichichi and the European Golden Boot, a significant change could be on the horizon.

The iconic number 10 jersey, long owned by club legend Luka Modric, will be vacant following the Croatian’s departure at the conclusion of the Club World Cup. That spot now could be occupied by Mbappe.

Mbappe dons the number ten shirt for France. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

When the Frenchman initially arrived, there was no debate about the number, as it rightly belonged to Modric, so the Frenchman took the number 9 shirt.

But with Modric leaving, Real Madrid need to fill up the number ten slot and there is no better candidate than Mbappe.

Mbappe wears the iconic number ten shirt for Les Bleus and used to wear the same number during his time at AS Monaco.

At PSG, Mbappe never surprisingly donned the number 10 kit, primarily playing with the number seven kit.

While Mbappe has not requested the change, the Real Madrid hierarchy believes that the number 10 would cement his status as the undisputed leader and star of the current project.