Kylian Mbappe is set to kick off the 2025/2026 season wearing Real Madrid’s iconic No. 10 jersey—an honor previously held by Luka Modric, one of the most influential figures in the club’s illustrious history. With this symbolic number now on his back, Mbappe enters a new chapter in his career, and so does Real Madrid.
But this isn’t just a number—it’s a legacy. At Santiago Bernabeu, the No. 10 shirt represents more than mere identification on the pitch. It embodies creativity, leadership, and game-changing influence. For Mbappe, this number carries expectations as heavy as the silverware he’s expected to win.
The burning question now is: Can Kylian Mbappe become the greatest No. 10 in Real Madrid’s long and storied legacy?
Goals and Assists: Can Mbappe Match the Legends?
Wearing the No. 10 at Real Madrid isn’t just about flair—it’s about impact. Goals, assists, and game-defining moments are essential. Historically, the bar has been set incredibly high.
Luis Figo remains the gold standard when it comes to productivity, having recorded a staggering 152 combined goals and assists during his time in Madrid. Behind him is Luka Modric, whose influence was more subtle and orchestrated from deeper in midfield but still undeniably significant.
Others like Mesut Özil and James Rodríguez brought brief but bright flashes of brilliance to the No. 10 role. Yet none of them fully dethroned Figo in terms of direct contributions to goals.
Now enters Mbappe, one of the most prolific forwards of his generation. With a career average of around 0.75 goals per game, Mbappe has the potential to surpass Figo’s record—provided he maintains that standard across multiple seasons in Spain.
He possesses not only raw scoring power but also playmaking intelligence. If he integrates well into Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical setup and avoids long-term injuries, it’s not unrealistic to imagine him climbing to the top of the assist and goals chart.
Total Appearances: Longevity Is the Real Challenge
When it comes to appearances wearing the No. 10 jersey, Luka Modric leads the list with an impressive 383 matches, showcasing over a decade of excellence, consistency, and commitment to the club.
Following Modric are figures like Luis Figo (245 appearances) and Clarence Seedorf (159), each contributing during different eras. While players such as Robinho, Özil, and James had shorter tenures, their presence still added character to the No. 10 legacy.
For Mbappe to cement his place in the upper ranks of this exclusive list, he will need more than talent—he’ll need endurance and loyalty. Fortunately, with a long-term contract and a central role in Madrid’s attack, the opportunity is there.
In the modern era, players can easily surpass 50 appearances per season across competitions. If Mbappe stays injury-free and maintains his form, entering the top five or even challenging Modric’s record is well within reach.
Trophies: The True Measure of Greatness at Real Madrid
At Real Madrid, individual stats pale in comparison to silverware. No matter how dazzling your performances, your legacy is ultimately judged by the trophies you help the club win.
Luka Modric, Manuel Velázquez, and Rafael Martín Vázquez are among the most decorated No. 10s in the club’s history. Even the legendary Ferenc Puskás sits just behind them with 10 major titles. James Rodríguez, despite a relatively short stay, left with nine.
Mbappe arrives in Madrid as a proven winner—having lifted league titles and a World Cup with France—but his first season with Los Blancos ended trophyless, a stark reminder of the challenge ahead.
For him to be mentioned in the same breath as Modric or Puskás, winning titles—La Liga, Copa del Rey, and above all, the UEFA Champions League—will be essential.
In Madrid, winning is not a goal; it’s an expectation. Especially for a player wearing the No. 10, lifting trophies becomes the ultimate validation of a successful era.
A Future Written in White and Gold?
Kylian Mbappe is stepping into an elite circle of legends by donning the No. 10 shirt at Real Madrid. His journey will be measured not just by goals or highlights, but by longevity, leadership, and legacy. The pressure is immense, but so is his potential.
Can he become the most iconic No. 10 in Real Madrid history? Only time will tell—but the stage is set, and the spotlight is firmly on him.
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