Kylian Mbappe is expected to start for Real Madrid in the No. 9 jersey come next season.
The Frenchman’s transfer to Real Madrid was officially finalised on Monday, capping one of the longest transfer sagas in contemporary sports history.
It occurs after the 2018 World Cup winner chooses to play at Santiago Bernabeu, realising a childhood dream, over agreeing to sign a one-year contract extension with Paris Saint-Germain.
One of the longest transfer sagas in modern sports history came to an official close on Monday with the Frenchman’s move to Real Madrid.
It happens when the World Cup winner of 2018 decides to fulfil a childhood goal and play at Santiago Bernabeu rather than sign a one-year contract extension with Paris Saint-Germain.
It’s been reported that Mbappe and his group did not request that Real Madrid wear the No. 10 shirt because of their respect for Luka Modric.
During Modric’s first five seasons at Real Madrid, the No. 10 was worn by James Rodriguez and Mesut Ozil. Ever since the 2017–18 campaign, he has worn it. Until 2017, he had been wearing the No. 19 shirt.
This summer, the 38-year-old Croatian midfielder’s contract was set to expire, so he accepted a new, one-year contract with lower pay.
Modric has decided to stay with the team despite playing a more supporting role this season, in contrast to Toni Kroos, who will retire following this summer’s European Championship.
Considering that Modric is nearing the end of his playing days, Mbappe might decide not to buy the No. 10 shirt right away.
But if he wears the No. 9, he will be carrying on the tradition of some great athletes who have graced the Santiago Bernabeu.
The most recent player to do so is Karim Benzema, his former French international teammate, who wore the number for 13 years between 2010 and 2013.
Cristiano Ronaldo wore the same shirt during his debut season on the team.
Since Neymar had already claimed shirt number ten at Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappe wore number seven.
When Neymar left the team in the summer of last year, Mbappe’s French international teammate Ousmane Dembele took it up.
Real Madrid’s No. 7 shirt is currently being worn by Vinicius Jr., who is expected to win the forthcoming Ballon d’Or after leading the team to their 15th Champions League title on Saturday.