Kylian Mbappe will don the number nine jersey in his debut season with Real Madrid, later switching to his preferred number in 2025, reports suggest.
The much-anticipated signing of Kylian Mbappe was finally confirmed by Real Madrid on Monday night, sealing a five-year deal for the 25-year-old forward who has long admired Los Blancos.
In an emotional statement, Mbappe expressed his excitement,”A dream come true. So happy and proud to join the club of my dream, Real Madrid. Nobody can understand how excited I am right now. Can’t wait to see you, Madridistas, and thanks for your unbelievable support. Hala Madrid.”
According to the French outlet Le Parisien, Mbappe will initially wear the number nine shirt, vacant since Karim Benzema’s departure in the summer of 2023.
Once Luka Modric decides to leave, Mbappe is expected to take over the number ten jersey, which he prefers.
Modric, who has signed a new one-year deal with Real Madrid, recently spoke about his desire to retire at the club:
“I have always said that I would like to retire at Real Madrid. It would be a dream to retire at home, at the club of my life, and I hope that happens. I have the physique and football to continue in the elite, I have no doubt. There has been a lot of talk about age and it bothers me. At Real Madrid the best players get on the field. Now I feel strong, but that can change in six months and if I see that I can no longer do it, I’ll be the first to admit it.”
If Mbappe inherits the number ten in 2025, he will follow the legacy of iconic players like Luis Figo, Ferenc Puskas, and Clarence Seedorf.
During his time at Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappe initially wore the number 29 before switching to the number seven, which he has worn ever since.
