Number 10 shirt makes Mbappe an icon at Real Madrid

Mbappe is the owner of Real Madrid's number 10 shirt.

From the days when Alfredo Di Stefano ushered in a legendary era, to the years when Luka Modric turned it into a symbol of intelligence and dedication, this shirt number has always carried a special responsibility. And now, when Kylian Mbappe puts his hand on it, people see a whole new story being written: a blend of commerce, expectation, and the desire to assert oneself.

A strategic move

This summer, when Mbappe asked to wear the number 10 shirt - which had belonged to Modric for seven years - Florentino Perez and Adidas certainly saw millions of euros waiting for them. Indeed, in just a few days, 345,000 number 10 shirts bearing Mbappe's name were sold out, bringing in a huge profit. In the global commercial picture, Real Madrid once again showed that they are not just a football club, but a luxury brand of the world of sports .

But if it stopped there, the story would be superficial. Xabi Alonso, in his challenging first season at the Bernabeu, immediately reminded Mbappe: the number is not a piece of jewelry. It requires more than goals – it requires character, responsibility and dedication, just as Modric has lived it.

In the first two matches of La Liga 2025/26, Mbappe immediately gave the answer: three goals, including a double against Real Oviedo. But more importantly, he showed a change in his attitude. People saw Mbappe dropping deep to support the defense in set pieces, fighting fiercely to open up counter-attacks. That is the "dirty work" that coaches like Luis Enrique used to want him to do at PSG but rarely received.

Mbappe emerged as a balanced fulcrum: maintaining scoring efficiency while spreading positive spirit.

It was also in the match against Oviedo, when Vinicius Jr. - who had just assisted him - got angry with the crowd and threatened to cause trouble, Mbappe immediately rushed to hug and cover his teammate's mouth to calm the situation down. A small action, but showing the growing leadership role in the Real dressing room.

In addition to his goals and style of play, Mbappe also scores points with his subtlety in behavior. At half-time, he approached a boy in a blue shirt by the tunnel and handed him the first number 10 shirt he wore away for Real - no placard, no cameras pointed at him. After the match, when teammate Antonio Rüdiger refused to swap shirts with an Oviedo player, Mbappe offered his training shirt so his opponent wouldn't leave empty-handed.

These are not direct actions that help the team win the championship, but they portray the image of a leader who cares and creates a positive influence on the surrounding environment - something Real Madrid really needs in a top superstar.

Alonso and the problem of attack

After the 3-0 victory, coach Xabi Alonso admitted: “We knew Mbappe would score, but when he presses hard and supports the defense from the front line, the whole team functions much better.” In that statement, the young coach’s expectations are clear: he doesn’t just want a goal-scoring machine, but a complete player, ready to sacrifice for the team.

This is all the more important in the context of Real's many attacking options: Rodrygo was unexpectedly given a chance to start, 18-year-old talent Franco Mastuantono made a strong impression, Gonzalo García had a chance to score. And of course, Vinicius - despite scoring the winning goal - still caused a stir with his provocative behavior, rough play that almost earned him a red card.

In that context, Mbappe emerged as a balancing fulcrum: maintaining scoring efficiency while spreading positive spirit.

Wearing the number 10 shirt, Mbappe not only carries Modric's legacy on his shoulders, but also faces pressure from Real Madrid's history.

Wearing the number 10 shirt, Mbappe not only carries the legacy of Modric, but also faces the pressure of Real Madrid's history. This is a team that has no shortage of "one-season heroes", but it is very rare for a player to integrate, maintain form and become a true leader. Mbappe's performance in both goals and attitude in the first days shows that he understands his new role.

The number 10 in Madrid is more than just a pretty number to sell shirts. It is an oath: ready to take on responsibility, ready to sacrifice, and ready to become a symbol.

Mbappe has waited eight years to wear the number at club level, from Monaco to PSG, and now Real Madrid. And what he is doing shows that this is not a rash decision, but the next step in his career.

Amidst the noise of Vinícius, the fierce competition in attack, and the huge pressure from commerce, Mbappe is still writing his own story: quietly, effectively, and responsibly.

It can be said that Real Madrid not only bought a goal-scoring machine, but is also witnessing the maturity of a leader - someone worthy of wearing the legendary number 10 shirt of Bernabeu.

Source: https://znews.vn/ao-so-10-dua-mbappe-len-tam-bieu-tuong-tai-real-madrid-post1580243.html