Who deserves to wear the number 10 shirt at Real Madrid?

Throughout the history of football, the number 10 has always held special significance – not just a number on the back of a jersey, but a symbol of creativity, influence, and the responsibility of carrying the team's style of play.

Who will inherit Luka Modric's number 10 shirt at Real Madrid?

At Real Madrid, the number 10 shirt has been associated with legendary names like Luis Figo and Luka Modric, forming part of the Spanish royal club's identity. However, since Modric last wore the number in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final against PSG, the number 10 has remained vacant. Who will be capable of continuing that legacy in the 2025/26 season?

The philosophy of number 10 may have faded, but its value remains.

Modern football no longer places so much emphasis on the traditional "number 10" – the playmaker who orchestrates the entire game, as Maradona or Zidane once did. The fast-paced, high-pressing style of play and modern tactics have fragmented this role among many different positions.

Nevertheless, the number 10 remains iconic, especially at big clubs like Real Madrid. That's why the team still wants to choose the right player to wear this shirt, rather than just treating it as a number.

Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid's blockbuster signing, is undoubtedly the strongest candidate. He possesses world-class talent, a global star image, and exceptional media appeal. The number 10 is also the number Mbappe wore for the French national team – where he became a new icon of French football – and which he used during his final days at AS Monaco.

However, it's noteworthy that Mbappe didn't request the number 10 when he joined Real Madrid. He chose the number 9 – the number left vacant by Karim Benzema – and immediately turned it into a new symbol with 44 goals, the Pichichi award, and the Golden Boot in his very first season.

The fact that he hasn't yet worn the number 10 shirt could be a sign of humility, or simply a strategy by the Real Madrid management. Because for Mbappe, all the numbers are now just secondary details; what he needs to establish is his status as the "new king" at Bernabéu.

Mbappe is a candidate for the number 10 shirt at Real Madrid.

If not Mbappe, Arda Güler is another name that comes to mind. The 20-year-old Turkish midfielder is gradually establishing himself under coach Xabi Alonso.

Guler possesses refined technical skills and creative footballing intelligence – qualities inherently associated with the number 10. This season, Alonso has given the Turkish talent many opportunities, and he has responded with impressive performances, becoming a promising player for the future.

The story becomes even more interesting when Modric, in his final match for Real Madrid, gifted his number 10 jersey to Güler. This act was not only a tribute but also seen as a symbolic "passing on of the throne."

Güler understands that this is a great honor, but also a heavy responsibility. He still needs time and character to prove himself worthy of wearing the shirt that was once considered the "soul" of the Spanish royal club.

Problem number 10

Another possibility to consider is that Real Madrid could continue to leave the number 10 shirt vacant, as they did in the 2013/14 season after Mesut Özil's departure. Even without a number 10, Real Madrid still reached the pinnacle of European football with their 10th Champions League title (La Decima).

It wasn't until James Rodriguez arrived that the number 10 shirt was worn again, then passed to Modric in 2017. This shows that, for Real Madrid, the shirt number is reserved only for players who truly make an impact.

Currently, Real Madrid's first-team roster only has three vacant shirt numbers: 10, 17, and 25. This limited number also makes it difficult for the club to flexibly register new players, unless a few players leave.

Guler is also a name that could wear the number 10 shirt at Real Madrid.

From a marketing perspective, the number 10 jersey is a "golden goose." A star wearing the number 10 jersey is not only significant on the pitch but also possesses enormous commercial value, from jersey sales revenue to global brand building.

Real Madrid has always understood this. But the number 10 isn't a "PR gimmick"—it has to be given to a player who possesses talent, style, and influence, just like Modric has done for almost a decade.

Between Mbappe – a star who has established himself – and Güler – a promising young talent – ​​Real Madrid has two ideal candidates to usher in a new chapter for the number 10. If Mbappe receives this number, it will be a confirmation of his absolute power at the Bernabeu. If Güler is chosen, it will be Real Madrid's commitment to the future – a future tied to creativity and technical prowess.

Regardless of the choice, the number 10 shirt at Real Madrid still carries special weight. It represents a legacy, the story of legends, and new chapters waiting to be written.

Real Madrid's leadership understands that this decision is not just about professional matters or marketing, but also a message to the fans: "Who is good enough to become the new soul of the Bernabeu?"

In the 2025/26 season, that question will soon be answered, but certainly, Real Madrid's number 10 will continue to be one of the most coveted shirt numbers in world football.

Source: https://znews.vn/ai-xung-dang-khoac-ao-so-10-o-real-madrid-post1570626.html