The magic of the No.10 shirt? Xabi Alonso sees 'noticeable' improvement from Kylian Mbappe as Real Madrid boss says French star 'wants more'

Mbappe's continued his hot streak in La Liga as he scored from the spot for the game's only goal to help Real Madrid bag the three points in their opening game of the 2025-26 season against Osasuna on Tuesday. Following the game, head coach Alonso spoke about the Frenchman's display and claimed that Madrid's brand new No.10 "wants more." 

Los Blancos announced Mbappe as their new No.10 following the departure of club legend Luka Modric, who held the number for eight seasons, first wearing it in the 2017-18 season. Mbappe already wears the iconic number for the French national team. Last season, the former Paris Saint-Germain forward scored 44 goals in 59 games in all competition, wearing the famous No.9 on his back worn by Galacticos such as Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo. Against Osasuna on Tuesday, the 26-year-old wore the No.10 for the first time in a competitive game for Madrid and looked in the groove, completing eight dribbles and completing six shots. The penalty that he scored was won by him, too. 

Speaking to reporters after the game, Alonso said: “I think after last year and after doing a lot of good things, Mbappe wants more. I don’t know if it’s because of the number 10 or because of his ambition to win, but you feel he wants to perform better individually and collectively.

“He wants to inspire those around him. If that helps with the numbers, that’s great. You feel that desire on a day-to-day basis and today he created these different moves that are decisive.”

Alonso's troops will take on newly-promoted side Real Oviedo in their upcoming encounter, which will take place at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere on Sunday, August 24.