Kylian Mbappe Drops Major Hint About His Future in Cryptic Social Media Message

Kylian Mbappé used social media to hint that his move to Real Madrid's iconic No.10 shirt has been confirmed.

Luka Modrić claimed the 10 in 2017 and excelled throughout his eight seasons wearing that number before leaving as a free agent this summer, creating an opportunity for someone new to inherit the jersey.

Turkish midfielder Arda Güler was rumored to receive the number this summer, but it's anticipated that Mbappé will be given it instead, having previously worn 10 at Monaco and currently sporting the shirt for the French national squad.

Mbappé seemed to verify this on social media, simply sharing the number "10" late Wednesday evening.

Based on reports from L'Équipe, Mbappé didn't request the number change but was instead contacted by the club, who have long viewed the Frenchman as their ideal No.10. The publication states that Madrid even contemplated taking the number from Modrić last summer but ultimately chose not to proceed.

This is viewed as a marketing strategy, with Mbappe's new jersey anticipated to shatter sales figures once it becomes available for purchase.

Several of Madrid's most legendary players have worn the 10 throughout history. Beyond Modrić, stars like Ferenc Puskás and Luís Figo have donned the prestigious jersey, though few have matched both the duration and achievements that Modrić accomplished while wearing Madrid's 10.

Mbappé wore the 9 at Monaco during 2016–17 before switching to 10 the next campaign. During his time at Paris Saint-Germain, he primarily wore 7, as Neymar had the 10 when he joined, with Lionel Messi later taking it in 2021.