Kylian Mbappe gets his Real Madrid wish: French forward to take new shirt number after summer reshuffle

Wearing the No. 9 jersey, the Frenchman delivered a debut season worthy of the hype, netting 44 goals across all competitions. His explosive performances earned him both the Pichichi Trophy for La Liga’s top scorer and the European Golden Boot, cementing his immediate impact in Spanish football.

With Modric departing Real Madrid for AC Milan, the legendary Croatian playmaker left behind more than just memories; he also left his No. 10 shirt up for grabs. For Mbappe, who has long worn that number for the France national team and during his early days at AS Monaco, the opportunity to reclaim it at club level holds significance.

From a marketing perspective, the decision is a win-win for Real Madrid. Last season, the club sold hundreds of thousands of shirts bearing 'Mbappe 9' on the back. Now, with the possibility of reintroducing the Frenchman with the No. 10 shirt, Real Madrid is poised to spark yet another surge in merchandise sales. The club views the transition not just as a footballing formality but as a strategic opportunity to enhance Mbappe’s global profile.

Currently enjoying a post-season break following a gruelling campaign, Mbappe is expected to report back to training on August 4. The first competitive match is slated for August 19 against Osasuna in La Liga at the Santiago Bernabeu.