Real Madrid superstar confirms he will take the number 10 shirt next season
Although many fans had already guessed it, the French star put all speculation to rest with a short but clear message on social media.
On Wednesday night, he posted a simple '10' on his X account, a post that left little room for doubt.
Until now, Mbappe had been wearing the number 9 shirt, the same one he was handed upon joining the club. But with Luka Modric leaving the team for Milan at the end of his contract, the number 10 shirt has become available.
It is a number with a deep history at the club, having been worn by several greats before Modric, including James Rodriguez, Mesut Ozil, Robinho, Luis Figo, and Clarence Seedorf.
A familiar number
For Mbappe, this is not just about switching numbers. It is a symbol of leadership and creativity. While he has been the number 10 for France for years, it has not been the same at club level.
At Monaco, he wore the number only briefly, mainly during his youth days and early senior appearances before moving to Paris Saint-Germain.
Now, Real Madrid are passing on one of their most legendary shirts to their new talisman.
What happens to the number 9 shirt?
With Mbappe moving to number 10, the number 9 shirt will be up for grabs. Right now, the discussion centres around two young stars, namely, Endrick and Gonzalo Garcia.
Endrick had long been seen as the likely successor, and he even expressed excitement at the idea. But Gonzalo's recent rise in form has complicated things. The club now has a decision to make, and it won't be an easy one.
What is certain is that Real Madrid have no shortage of talent. And with Mbappe set to take on the number 10, a new era at the Bernabeu is ready to begin.
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