Mbappe's position
The decision to give Kylian Mbappe the number 10 shirt – the number that once belonged to Luka Modric – is not simply a change in playing kit.
That's the strong message from Real Madrid : Mbappe is being built into the main face of the Spanish Royal Club in the new era.
An icon destined to inherit Cristiano Ronaldo’s aura – both on the pitch and in the global commercial sphere, Mbappe has been a constant source of attention since arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Although his first season ended with two minor titles – the European Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup – the French striker still showed excellent form with 44 goals and 10 assists in all competitions. He won the La Liga Golden Boot and the European Golden Shoe.
In the eyes of Real Madrid's leadership, those numbers are still not enough. They not only expect Mbappe to score goals, but also expect him to become the face of a new era, leading young successors like Dean Huijsen, Arda Guler...
Number 10 – The halo of a superstar
The number 10 shirt is a symbol of power in football , associated with influential players such as Diego Maradona, Pele, Zinedine Zidane, Lionel Messi or Luka Modric.
Now, Mbappe wears that shirt at Real Madrid, affirming his central role in the entire club ecosystem.
With the number 10 (which is also the shirt number that Mbappe won the 2018 World Cup with France), Real Madrid cleverly opened a new chapter in its global marketing strategy.
If before they exploited the image of Cristiano Ronaldo with the number 7 shirt and CR7 became a world- class brand, now they expect Mbappe and "KM10" to also create a big buzz.
Media campaigns, advertising contracts, jersey sales across Asia and Latin America, all will revolve around Mbappe.
The number 9 shirt – the symbol of Real Madrid's striker (Cristiano wore it in his first season) – is now empty, as if to emphasize: Mbappe is not a simple "number 9".
Mbappe, not Vinicius Junior, was chosen to be the soul of the team, transcending any tactical role or playing position.
The consequences of this decision cannot be ignored: Vinicius, a key figure in the post-Karim Benzema era, is facing the risk of losing his status.
The Brazilian has been central to many of Real Madrid's big wins in recent seasons, notably scoring in the 2022 and 2024 Champions League finals. He inherited the number 7 shirt from Ronaldo, as a way for the board to show their absolute trust.
But Mbappe's appearance has turned the spotlight. All the media campaigns focus on the French superstar, especially when Vinicius often has controversial reactions on and off the field, often fighting with rival fans.
Vinicius’s shirts are still selling well, but he is no longer the first name on the lips. In press conferences, social media and banners at the Bernabeu, Mbappe is always centre stage.
Last season, coach Carlo Ancelotti tried to keep a balance between the two attacking stars because Vinicius contributed greatly during his second term.
Vinicius Alarm
Ancelotti left, Xabi Alonso arrived, Real Madrid immediately built a system around Mbappe. President Floretino Perez had more reason to do that when Vinicius had too many demands in the contract extension negotiations .
CR7 put pressure on for a pay rise? The transfer to Juventus was triggered immediately, after the Champions League "hat-trick" (2016-2018), so quickly that even Zidane was surprised. Sergio Ramos asked for a 2-year contract? Real Madrid let him go for free.
Since Perez initiated the “Galacticos” policy, Real Madrid has understood that modern football is not only about titles on the field, but also about commercial power. There, every star only serves the club’s brand.
After selling Ronaldo, Real Madrid now found a new tool in Mbappe - more modern and more attractive to generation Z.
All the elements came together: talent, image and global appeal. The number 10 shirt was the first tool in this repositioning strategy.
Real Madrid want to focus all their efforts on Mbappe competing with Barca's Lamine Yamal - who also inherited the number 10 shirt associated with the Barcelona symbol.
Vinicius's position is declining, his performance is also declining very quickly. If he continues to make moves that make Real Madrid unhappy, he will have to pack up and leave Bernabeu. Perez is very clear: every player is replaceable.
Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/kylian-mbappe-nhan-ao-so-10-real-madrid-dan-mat-vinicius-2427256.html
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