It's been 27 years since the last time a Spanish footballer wore the number 10 jersey for Real Madrid. Twenty-seven seasons without a national player deserving, in the club's opinion, to wear the most symbolic number in soccer.
The one reserved for the chosen ones. The one for the truly exceptional stars. The one Luka Modrić, for example, has worn for over a decade.
The problem isn't just the drought. It's the paradox. Because the last Spaniard to wear it was Luis Enrique.
A footballer who, years later, had no qualms about admitting that he never felt comfortable at Real Madrid.
In fact, he ended up developing a clear animosity toward the club. He even became one of the most beloved icons for Barça fans after his direct move to Barça in 1996.
From white idol... to standard-bearer of Barcelonismo
Luis Enrique wore the number 10 for Real Madrid between 1994 and 1996. He played 213 matches in the white jersey, scored 18 goals, and won a league, a cup, and a super cup. But his name doesn't appear among the great legends of Madridism.
Not even among the respected ones. His later career, completely linked to Barça as a player and coach, erased any trace of affection from Madrid fans.
The Asturian never hid his discomfort in the Bernabéu locker room. On the contrary. His statements have always been tinged with a certain resentment toward the club that signed him from Sporting.
He made it clear in several interviews and, more recently, during his time as national coach, when his supposed coldness toward Madrid players raised all kinds of suspicions.
The number 10, a symbol without Spanish heirs
Since then, no Spaniard has inherited that sacred number. Foreign stars like Figo, Robinho, Özil, James Rodríguez, Modrić have worn it...
But not a single national player. Currently, Real Madrid once again has the number vacant, after Modrić's departure, with no clear heir.
Güler is very young. Bellingham already has number 5. Mbappé is Florentino's preferred option, although the subject hasn't even been discussed with him.
What's clear is that no Spaniard is in the running. That doesn't cause any conflict at the club. It's not a priority.
A contrast with Barça
At Barça, the story is very different. The number 10 has gone from Messi to Ansu Fati and now points to Lamine Yamal, symbol of the new project and pride of La Masia.
The last three number 10s at Barça, all from La Masia's youth academy. Then at Real Madrid, they boast about La Fábrica even though they reject for the first team everything that comes from there.
At Madrid, the number 10 symbol is orphaned. The last Spaniard to wear it... ended up renouncing the club.
An irony that's hard for Madrid fans to digest.