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

In football history, the number 10 has always had a special meaning - not just a number on the back of the shirt, but also a symbol of creativity, influence and responsibility for the way of playing.

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 such as Luis Figo and Luka Modric, creating a part of the identity of the Spanish Royal team. However, since Modric last wore this shirt number in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final against PSG, the number 10 has been vacant. Who will be capable of continuing that legacy in the 2025/26 season?

Philosophy number 10 has faded, but the value remains

Modern football no longer places too much emphasis on the “number 10” in the traditional sense – the player who creates and conducts the entire game like Maradona or Zidane did. The fast-paced, high-pressing style of play and modern tactics has seen this role divided into many different positions.

However, the number 10 is still symbolic, especially at big clubs like Real Madrid. That is why the team still wants to choose the right person to wear this shirt, instead of just treating it as a simple shirt number.

Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid’s blockbuster signing, is the obvious candidate. He has class, a global star image and outstanding media appeal. The number 10 is also the shirt number Mbappe wears for the French national team - where he has become a new icon of French football - and used during his final days at AS Monaco.

However, it is worth noting that Mbappe did not ask for the number 10 when he joined Real Madrid. He chose the number 9 - the shirt number left by Karim Benzema - and immediately made it a new symbol with 44 goals, the Pichichi award and the Golden Boot in his first season.

Not having touched the number 10 yet could be modesty, or simply a strategy of Real Madrid's leadership. Because for Mbappe, all the numbers are now just secondary details; what he needs to affirm is his position 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 mentioned. The 20-year-old Turkish midfielder is gradually asserting himself under coach Xabi Alonso.

Guler possesses exquisite technical qualities and a creative mindset - factors that are 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 bright factor in the future.

The story became even more interesting when Modric, in his last match for Real Madrid, gave his number 10 shirt to Güler. This act was not only a gesture of gratitude but also a symbolic “passing of the throne”.

Güler knows that this is a great honor, but at the same time a heavy responsibility. He still needs time and courage to prove that he is worthy of wearing the shirt that was once considered the "soul" of the Royal Spanish team.

Problem 10

Another possibility is that Real Madrid could continue to leave the number 10 vacant as they did in the 2013/14 season after Mesut Özil left. At that time, the number 10 did not have an owner but Real Madrid still reached the top of Europe with the 10th Champions League title (La Decima).

It was not until James Rodriguez appeared that the number 10 was worn again, then transferred to Modric in 2017. This shows that, for Real Madrid, shirt numbers are only for players who really make an impression.

Currently, Real's first team roster has only three shirt numbers left: 10, 17 and 25. This limited number also makes it difficult for the club to be flexible in registering new players, unless a few players leave.

Guler is also the name that can keep the number 10 shirt at Real Madrid.

From a marketing perspective, the number 10 is the “golden goose”. A star wearing the number 10 shirt not only has significance on the pitch but also has huge commercial value, from shirt sales to global brand building.

Real Madrid have always understood this. But the No. 10 is not a “PR stunt” – it should be given to a player who brings together talent, style and influence, as Modric has done for nearly a decade.

Between Mbappe - a star who has confirmed his position, and Güler - a young talent with great potential, Real Madrid has two ideal candidates to open a new chapter for the number 10. If Mbappe takes this shirt number, it will be an affirmation of his absolute power at Bernabeu. If Güler is chosen, it will be Real Madrid's commitment to the future - a future associated with creativity and technical identity.

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

Real Madrid's leadership understands that this decision is not only about expertise or marketing, but also a message to fans: "Who is qualified to become the new soul of 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 anticipated shirt numbers in world football.

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