Kylian Mbappé Real Madrid jersey number: New No. 10 in the house

The Kylian Mbappé Real Madrid jersey number change 2025 is generating buzz as the French superstar prepares for his second season with Real Madrid, set to don the iconic No. 10 jersey previously worn by Luka Modrić. Mirroring Cristiano Ronaldo’s switch to the No. 7 in his second season at the club, Mbappé’s transition from No. 9 to No. 10 marks a symbolic step in his quest to cement a legendary legacy at the Santiago Bernabéu. After a stellar debut season, where he clinched the Pichichi Trophy as LaLiga’s top scorer, the Kylian Mbappé Real Madrid jersey number change 2025 signals his readiness to embrace greater responsibility.

Kylian Mbappé Real Madrid Jersey Number Change 2025: Following Ronaldo’s Path

The Kylian Mbappé Real Madrid jersey number change 2025 comes on the heels of a remarkable first season with Real Madrid. Joining from Paris Saint-Germain in July 2024 on a free transfer, Mbappé faced initial challenges adapting to Carlo Ancelotti’s system, competing with Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo for attacking roles. Early struggles saw him score just three goals in his first eight LaLiga matches, prompting doubts about his fit.

However, Mbappé silenced critics with a prolific run, finishing the 2024-25 season with 28 goals and 10 assists in 34 LaLiga games, securing the Pichichi Trophy as the league’s top scorer. His 39 goal contributions across all competitions helped Real Madrid win a record-extending 15th UEFA Champions League title and a 37th LaLiga crown.

Mbappé’s adaptation showcased his versatility, often playing as a central striker in a 4-3-3 or drifting left to exploit spaces. His standout performances included a hat-trick against Barcelona in a 4-0 El Clásico rout and a brace in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich. Social media posts praised his “unstoppable” form, with one fan noting, “Mbappé’s No. 9 was just the warm-up.” The Kylian Mbappé Real Madrid jersey number change 2025 to No. 10 reflects his growing stature, positioning him as the heir to Real Madrid’s storied attacking legacy.

The Jersey Number Change: Echoes of Ronaldo

The Kylian Mbappé Real Madrid jersey number change 2025 draws striking parallels with Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey at Real Madrid. When Ronaldo arrived from Manchester United in 2009 for a then-world-record €94 million, his preferred No. 7 jersey was occupied by club legend Raúl González. Ronaldo donned the No. 9, scoring 33 goals in 35 matches in his debut season as “CR9.” When Raúl departed for Schalke in 2010, Ronaldo claimed the No. 7, a number synonymous with his 450 goals in 438 games over nine seasons, including four Champions League titles and four Ballon d’Or awards. The No. 7 became iconic, with Ronaldo’s “Siu” celebration etched in football history.

Mbappé’s situation mirrors Ronaldo’s. Upon joining Real Madrid, the No. 10 jersey, associated with legends like Ferenc Puskás and Zinedine Zidane, was held by Luka Modrić, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner. Mbappé opted for the No. 9, previously worn by Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, and delivered a Pichichi-winning campaign. With Modrić’s departure in June 2025 to join Dinamo Zagreb, the No. 10 is now Mbappé’s. The Kylian Mbappé Real Madrid jersey number change 2025 to No. 10, announced during a pre-season event, symbolizes his ambition to emulate Ronaldo’s transformative second season, where he scored 53 goals in 54 matches.

Significance of the No. 10 Jersey

The Kylian Mbappé Real Madrid jersey number change 2025 to No. 10 carries immense weight at Real Madrid. The jersey, worn by Modrić for a decade, represents creativity and leadership. Modrić’s 78 assists and 39 goals in 534 appearances, including five Champions League titles, set a high bar. Mbappé, who idolized Ronaldo growing up, expressed admiration for Modrić, stating, “Luka’s legacy with the No. 10 is inspiring. I’m honored to follow him.” The No. 10 aligns with Mbappé’s evolving role as a playmaker, evidenced by his 10 LaLiga assists last season, complementing his goal-scoring prowess.

The Kylian Mbappé Real Madrid jersey number change 2025 also resonates with fans. Social media buzz, with posts like “Mbappé in No. 10 will be iconic,” reflects excitement. The jersey unveiling, scheduled before Real Madrid’s pre-season friendly against AC Milan on July 31, 2025, is expected to drive record sales, surpassing the €40 million generated by Mbappé’s No. 9 last season. The change positions Mbappé as the face of Real Madrid’s new era, alongside young stars like Vinícius Jr. (No. 7) and Jude Bellingham (No. 5), following the departures of Modrić, Toni Kroos, and Nacho.

Expectations for Mbappé’s Second Season

The Kylian Mbappé Real Madrid jersey number change 2025 sets the stage for an ambitious 2025-26 season. Real Madrid, under Ancelotti, aim to defend their LaLiga and Champions League titles while integrating new signings like Endrick and Alphonso Davies. Mbappé is expected to lead the attack, targeting 40+ goals across all competitions. His pre-season form—two goals in a 3-1 win over Sevilla—suggests he’s primed for another Pichichi run. Ancelotti praised Mbappé’s adaptation, noting, “Kylian’s No. 10 reflects his maturity. He’s ready to lead.”

Mbappé’s role will evolve with the No. 10, emphasizing playmaking alongside scoring. His 2024-25 stats—75 key passes, 52 dribbles completed—show his creative growth, and training sessions indicate a deeper link-up with Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga. The Kylian Mbappé Real Madrid jersey number change 2025 also fuels Ballon d’Or speculation, with Mbappé favored to challenge Vinícius Jr. and Erling Haaland after finishing third in 2024. Fans hope for a Ronaldo-esque leap, with one post stating, “Mbappé’s No. 10 season could break records like CR7’s No. 7.”

Parallels with Ronaldo’s Legacy

The Kylian Mbappé Real Madrid jersey number change 2025 invites comparisons to Ronaldo’s transformative impact. Ronaldo’s second season (2010-11) saw him score 40 LaLiga goals, winning the Pichichi and European Golden Shoe, setting a club record. His No. 7 became a global brand, generating €200 million in merchandise sales. Mbappé, already a marketing juggernaut, aims to replicate this. His Nike deal and social media presence—150 million followers—amplify the No. 10’s commercial potential. Like Ronaldo, Mbappé thrives under pressure, with 12 goals in clutch moments last season, including a stoppage-time winner against Atlético Madrid.

However, differences exist. Ronaldo was 24 when he joined Real Madrid, while Mbappé, at 26, is in his prime. Ronaldo’s physicality contrasted with Mbappé’s speed and finesse, yet both share a relentless goal-scoring instinct. The Kylian Mbappé Real Madrid jersey number change 2025 aligns with Ronaldo’s ambition to redefine a jersey’s legacy, but Mbappé must navigate a competitive squad and the post-Galáctico era’s expectations.

Challenges and Opportunities

The Kylian Mbappé Real Madrid jersey number change 2025 brings challenges. The No. 10’s weight could pressure Mbappé, especially with Modrić’s storied tenure. Tactical adjustments, like balancing with Vinícius Jr.’s left-wing role, remain a work in progress, and injuries—Mbappé missed three matches last season—pose risks. Real Madrid’s grueling schedule, including the expanded 2026 FIFA Club World Cup, demands rotation, with Endrick and Joselu vying for minutes. Off-field distractions, like interest from Saudi clubs, could test Mbappé’s focus, though he’s committed to a long-term Real Madrid stay.

Opportunities abound, too. The Kylian Mbappé Real Madrid jersey number change 2025 positions him as the squad’s focal point, with Ancelotti tailoring tactics to maximize his impact. International success with France, targeting the 2026 World Cup, could elevate his global stature. Mbappé’s leadership, evident in mentoring Endrick, strengthens team unity, and his No. 10 debut against Real Betis on August 17, 2025, is poised to set the tone.

Conclusion: A New Chapter Begins

The Kylian Mbappé Real Madrid jersey number change 2025 marks a pivotal moment in his career, echoing Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic No. 7 switch. After a Pichichi-winning debut season, Mbappé’s move to the No. 10 signals his intent to forge a legendary legacy at Real Madrid. With fans buzzing and expectations soaring, the 2025-26 season could see Mbappé reach Ronaldo-esque heights. Will the No. 10 unlock his full potential? Share your thoughts on the Kylian Mbappé Real Madrid jersey number change 2025 below!

“Mbappe doesn’t care about getting the number” https://t.co/g8txFOeb1B pic.twitter.com/xGK6GG1Kjv

— 🗿 #EliminateMbappe (@vjrxotwod) July 23, 2025

FAQs: Kylian Mbappé Real Madrid Jersey Number Change 2025

Why is Kylian Mbappé changing his jersey number in 2025?
Mbappé is switching from No. 9 to No. 10 after Luka Modrić’s departure, mirroring Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to No. 7 in his second season.
What did Mbappé achieve in his first Real Madrid season?
He won the Pichichi Trophy with 28 LaLiga goals, plus 10 assists, helping Real Madrid secure LaLiga and the Champions League.
How does Mbappé’s number change compare to Ronaldo’s?
Both took No. 9 in their first season due to occupied preferred numbers (No. 7 for Ronaldo, No. 10 for Mbappé) and switched in their second season.
What are the expectations for Mbappé’s 2025-26 season?
Fans and coaches expect 40+ goals, a Ballon d’Or challenge, and leadership in Real Madrid’s title defenses, with the No. 10 enhancing his playmaking role.
When will Mbappé debut the No. 10 jersey?
The No. 10 unveiling is set for a pre-season friendly against AC Milan on July 31, 2025, with his LaLiga debut against Real Betis on August 17.