Real Madrid to Give Mbappe Iconic Number 10 Shirt, Reports Say

Real Madrid has reportedly assigned Kylian Mbappe the iconic number 10 jersey, signaling his imminent arrival at the Bernabeu for the 2024/2025 season, as per OK Diario. The French forward recently informed his long-term club Paris Saint-Germain of his decision not to renew his contract, paving the way for his departure. Despite interest from other clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal, it is widely believed that the 25-year-old will join Real Madrid as a free agent on June 30, after previous failed attempts to secure his transfer in 2017 and 2022.

Negotiations between Mbappe’s camp and Madrid have allegedly been hindered by the tough stance of his mother, Fayza Lamari, but a deal is expected to be finalized soon. Real Madrid aims to announce Mbappe’s signing between the end of the club season and the start of the European Championships on June 14, where he will represent France. Reports suggest that Mbappe could be unveiled at the Bernabeu during this period, with the number 10 jersey already reserved for him.

The number 9 jersey, currently worn by Karim Benzema, is likely to be passed on to Palmeiras starlet Endrick, freeing up the coveted number 10 for Mbappe. This number holds significance for Mbappe, who wears it for the French national team and has had success in it, notably winning the World Cup in Russia in 2018. Despite his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, who previously wore the number 7 for Real Madrid, Mbappe is set to follow in the footsteps of other legends like Zinedine Zidane and Luka Modric by donning the number 10 jersey.

Luka Modric, the current bearer of the number 10 jersey, is expected to depart from Real Madrid at the end of the season when his contract expires. Modric is rumored to be considering a move to Saudi Arabia or a venture into the MLS. Mbappe’s success in the number 10 jersey extends beyond the World Cup, as he also scored a crucial hat trick in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, although it was not enough to secure victory against Lionel Messi’s Argentina.

In conclusion, Kylian Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid seems imminent, with the club preparing to welcome him with the iconic number 10 jersey, symbolizing a new chapter in the young forward’s illustrious career.