When Kylian Mbappé joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2024, fans and pundits immediately wondered: why did Mbappé choose 9 instead of the more symbolic number 10? The short answer: it was always a temporary decision, driven by respect, timing, and the club’s traditions. In this article, FreeKickSEO will take you through the full story — the reasons, the timeline, and what it shows about Mbappé’s mindset and Real Madrid’s legacy.
The context behind the shirt numbers
Before diving into Mbappé’s choice, it helps to understand how squad numbers carry weight, especially at clubs like Real Madrid.
- Number 10 is more than a digit: it’s synonymous with creativity, leadership, and great responsibility. Former Madrid legends who wore it include Luís Figo, Ferenc Ţără, Clarence Seedorf, Mesut Özil, etc.
- Number 9 is generally associated with pure goal-scorers — traditionally the central striker role.
- At Madrid, both numbers come loaded with history, so switching into one of them isn’t just a fashion move — it has symbolic power.
Why Mbappé wore number 9 at first
Here are the key reasons why Mbappé choose 9 when he first arrived at Real Madrid:
- 10 was occupied by Luka Modrić
- When Mbappé signed (summer 2024), Luka Modrić was still at Madrid and wearing number 10. The number wasn’t free, so Mbappé couldn’t take it immediately.
- Number 9 was vacant
- The No. 9 shirt had been left empty after Karim Benzema’s departure in 2023. That left a logical opening. $$Mbappé took the 9 shirt for his debut season.$$
- It was always part of a plan to switch later
- Media reports and the player himself indicated that wearing No. 9 was a stop-gap. The plan was for Mbappé to take No. 10 once Modrić’s tenure ended. This wasn’t a surprise — it was anticipated.
- Respect for Modrić and tradition
- Mbappé and Madrid showed respect for Modrić’s legacy. Mbappé didn’t force the issue; he accepted the initial situation and waited for the right moment. This reveals something about his character: ambition aligned with humility.
When and why the switch happened (or is happening)
The change of shirt numbers isn’t just aesthetic — it marks a shift in roles, expectations, and symbolism. Here’s how it unfolded:
- Modrić’s exit ➜ The departure of Luka Modrić after the 2024-25 season freed up the No. 10 shirt.
- Official announcement ➜ Around the summer of 2025, Real Madrid confirmed that Mbappé would become the new No. 10 for the 2025-26 season.
- Mbappé’s preference ➜ He has long identified with 10 both in international play (France) and in his own ambitions. Taking No. 10 was not just about wearing a number, it was embracing a role.
What wearing No. 9 (then 10) says about Mbappé’s ambition
The decision reveals several things about him, and about Madrid’s approach:
- Goal-scoring expectations: Wearing No. 9 comes with pressure to deliver. Mbappé accepted that as part of his first season at Madrid.
- Legacy awareness: Knowing that 10 is heavy with history, he didn’t take it prematurely. Shows he respects what came before.
- Strategic image building: The switch tells fans: this is your new talisman, your leader. No. 10 has a marketing, emotional, and tactical dimension.
- Patience and timing: Rather than forcing a switch, Mbappé and Madrid crafted a smooth transition, aligning it with Modrić’s exit so there’s narrative coherence.
Key comparisons and similar stories
Mbappé’s situation is not unique in football. Here are some comparable cases:
- Cristiano Ronaldo once wore No. 9 at Madrid before moving to No. 7 (his preferred number) when that was available.
- Players often block out legendary numbers during their first seasons out of respect, then take them when a club legend retires or leaves.
- Sometimes a player’s preferred number is already used elsewhere, so they adopt a different one with the aim of switching when possible.
Timeline summary: The numbers
Below is a timeline of how shirt numbers progressed around Mbappé’s arrival and change:
- Summer 2024: Mbappé signs with Real Madrid; No. 10 occupied by Modrić; Mbappé takes No. 9.
- 2024-25 season: Mbappé wears No. 9. Modrić remains at Madrid.
- After 2024-25: Modrić leaves; No. 10 becomes available. Mbappé is confirmed to switch to No. 10 for 2025-26.
Impact on fans, legacy, and marketing
The shirt number decisions aren’t just symbolic inside the club — they resonate with fans and influence wider things:
- Merchandise demand: Jerseys with 9 sold heavily upon his arrival. The switch to 10 sparks another wave of sales.
- Fan identity: Having Mbappé in 10 strengthens the connection to past Madrid greats; wearing 9 first gave fans something to anticipate.
- Media narrative: Switches like this make headlines — good for the club, good for the player’s brand.
Conclusion
In summary, why did Mbappé choose 9 was never because he prefers 9 over 10 — it was about respect, circumstance, and timing. The number 9 served as a bridge: it let him step into Real Madrid’s front line immediately while honoring Modrić’s legacy and waiting for the chance to assume the more iconic number 10.
FreeKickSEO hopes this clears up the mystery behind Mbappé’s shirt number choice. If you enjoyed this deep dive, stick with us for more on player decisions, transfer secrets, match breakdowns, and the stories behind the stats. Want to know how many goals he scored while wearing 9, or what number legends at Madrid thought about the 10 shirt before donning it themselves? Let us know and we’ll unpack that next!
