Kylian Mbappe to wear No. 9 shirt temporarily at Real Madrid before switching to preferred number

In a highly anticipated move, Kylian Mbappe is set to join Real Madrid and will initially don the iconic No. 9 shirt for the upcoming season.

This development comes as a strategic solution for Real Madrid, filling the void left by Karim Benzema, who departed the club last summer. However, according to reports from Le Parisien, this assignment is only a temporary arrangement for the French superstar.

The Transition to No. 9

Upon his official presentation as a Real Madrid player, Mbappe will be handed the No. 9 jersey, a number traditionally worn by the club’s primary striker.

This number has been vacant since Benzema’s exit, and Mbappe’s arrival promises to reinvigorate the legendary status associated with it.

The No. 9 shirt has a storied history at Real Madrid, having been worn by other greats such as Alfredo Di Stefano, Ronaldo Nazário, and more recently, Benzema himself.

Mbappe’s Preferred Numbers

Mbappe has become synonymous with the No. 7 shirt at club level, a number he has worn with distinction at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), showcasing his extraordinary talent and becoming a global icon.

At the international level with France, he wears the No. 10 shirt, further solidifying his status as a key player for both club and country.

These numbers have not just been identifiers but symbols of his explosive pace, skill, and goal-scoring prowess.

The No. 7 jersey holds special significance at Real Madrid, having been worn by club legends such as Raul and Cristiano Ronaldo, both of whom left an indelible mark on the club’s history.

The Awaited No. 10

Le Parisien suggests that the ultimate plan for Mbappe involves him eventually taking over the No. 10 shirt, currently worn by Luka Modric.

Modric, who has been a mainstay in the Madrid midfield and a key figure in their recent successes, is nearing the twilight of his illustrious career.

Once Modric decides to move on, it is expected that Mbappe will inherit the No. 10, aligning with his international squad number and further entrenching his status as a leading figure at Real Madrid.