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Kylian Mbappé makes it official, Modric didn't expect it: there's maximum surprise at Madrid

Luka Modric had named his heir at Real Madrid, but in the end, it will not be the one he desired

With the squad of Real Madrid finalized except for a few departures yet to be agreed upon, the biggest question was who would wear the "10" next season. With Luka Modrić leaving, this historic number became available, but it didn't take long to find a new owner. Although the Croatian had made a gesture toward Arda Güler by practically offering it to him publicly, the new wearer will be someone else.

After 10 p.m. on July 23, Kylian Mbappé surprised everyone on his X, formerly known as Twitter, account by announcing his change of number at Madrid. "10," wrote the French star without giving any further details. This way, he put an end to a controversy that had intensified in recent days with the unbelievable rise of Arda Güler, who will continue wearing the "15".

This way, Mbappé regains the "10" with his team, something that hadn't happened since his time at Monaco. In Paris, he was never able to wear this number, becoming more famous for wearing the "7" on his back. The Frenchman has chosen to combine numbers and, from now on, will wear the same number at Real Madrid as he does for France, where he is the main captain.

Two players in Real Madrid training uniforms, one smiling while the other looks ahead.
Luka Modric wasn't thinking about the "10" for Mbappé | Getty Images

Kylian Mbappé leaves the "9" vacant

Everything has changed at Real Madrid, which didn't expect this change in numbers. Mbappé has left the "9" vacant, the number for strikers, and now two important candidates have emerged to take over.

The idea is that the new "9" at Real Madrid will come from a competition between Endrick and Gonzalo García, who are expected to be the club's strikers of the future. Last summer, the plan was for the Brazilian forward to take on this number, but everything has changed in recent months due to his poor performance.

Two players in Real Madrid uniforms looking at each other against a blurred yellow background
Arda Güler is left without the "10"; it's for Mbappé | Getty Images

Between that, his injury, and the emergence of Gonzalo García, it's not at all clear who will inherit the number Kylian Mbappé has left vacant. With his switch to the "10", it now seems clear that there will be a shuffle of numbers at Real Madrid.

It is expected that in the coming weeks there will be updates on this, with Florentino Pérez having given the green light to this unexpected change. It's a huge move in terms of marketing, which will make Mbappé the main image of Real Madrid in the years to come.