For years, football has quietly distanced itself from the number 10—not in digits, but in spirit. At Real Madrid, both the number and the essence it once carried remain in limbo. The last to wear the legendary shirt was Luka Modric, in the Club World Cup semi-final against PSG. Since that moment, the number has been left untouched, waiting for a worthy heir who can truly embody what it represents.

Kylian Mbappé stands out as a natural candidate. With the aura, the star power, and the pedigree, he already wears the number 10 for France—a number he’s associated with since his final days at Monaco. Despite all the signs pointing to him, he hasn’t claimed the shirt in Madrid.

Another contender is Arda Güler. The young Turkish sensation has been steadily making a name for himself, and under Xabi Alonso’s guidance, he’s become more than a promising talent—he’s becoming essential. With increased minutes and growing confidence, Güler has stepped into the spotlight. His desire to inherit the number 10 feels both symbolic and timely. After his last match, Modric personally handed him his shirt—more than just a farewell, perhaps a passing of the torch.

Though it feels strange, the idea of the number 10 being left vacant is not unprecedented. In 2013–14, after Mesut Özil’s late departure, the number went unclaimed for a full season—ironically, the same campaign in which Madrid conquered La Décima. It wasn’t until James Rodríguez arrived in 2014 that the number 10 found a new bearer, and from 2017 onward, it belonged to Modric.

Currently, only three squad numbers are available: 10, 17, and 25. Real Madrid has yet to register young talents like Mastantuono, Gonzalo, or Asencio as official first-team players, and that restriction further limits the options for distributing numbers or making new signings unless others leave.

From a commercial standpoint, the number 10 is gold. It sells jerseys, tells stories, and builds legacies. But in Madrid, it has always been more than a number—it’s been a badge of genius, of responsibility, of identity. For a club that thrives on symbolism as much as silverware, getting this decision right is not just about shirt sales—it’s about preserving the legacy that number 10 carries in white.

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