Mbappé’s mission to break Madrid's Number 10 curse

Kylian Mbappé has chosen the number 10 at Real Madrid, the same number he proudly wears with France. By doing so, he hopes to reverse the instability historically linked to the shirt at the Bernabéu. His move mirrors Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision, who switched from number 9 in his debut season to the legendary number 7, a number now deeply tied to Madrid’s success.

Pelé, Maradona, and Messi all shared two things in common: their greatness as footballers and the iconic number 10 shirt. Traditionally, this number has been reserved for the team’s most talented player. However, at Real Madrid, numbers like 7, 9, and even 5 have carried more weight in the club’s history than the 10.

The Legendary Number 7

The number 7 shirt is arguably the most iconic in Real Madrid’s history. Legends such as Cristiano Ronaldo (CR7), Raúl González, Emilio Butragueño, Juanito, and now Vinícius Júnior have carried the number with immense success. They are remembered for countless titles, historic goals, and enduring glory. Few players wearing the ‘7’ have failed at Madrid.

The Goalscorers’ Number: 9

Real Madrid’s number 9 has also been linked to great attacking legends. From Alfredo Di Stéfano to Ronaldo Nazário, Karim Benzema, Hugo Sánchez, and Iván Zamorano, this shirt has been worn by some of the club’s deadliest forwards, evoking memories of iconic goals and historic victories.

The Troubled History of the Number 10

Unlike the stability of 7, 9, or 5, the number 10 shirt at Real Madrid has been inconsistent. Throughout the 1990s, it was passed around frequently. Talents like Michael Laudrup and Clarence Seedorf shone at times, while others like Gica Hagi, Robert Prosinecki, and Uli Stielike arrived with big reputations but failed to leave a lasting legacy.

Figo and Modric: The Greatest Number 10s?

Luis Figo remains perhaps the standout number 10 in Real Madrid’s history. The Portuguese winger wore it for five years, winning the Champions League, La Liga titles, and the Ballon d’Or. Luka Modric, with his longevity and influence, rivals Figo for the crown of Madrid’s best number 10.

Mbappé’s Challenge

The number 10 has not been the easiest or most stable in Madrid’s history, but Mbappé is determined to redefine it. At PSG, he wore numbers 7, 14, 17, and 29, while for France he began with 12 and 20 before claiming the number 10 in 2017. Now, as Real Madrid’s new talisman, Mbappé has chosen the 10 in hopes of ending the curse and writing his own chapter of history.