K.O. for Mbappé: Real Madrid's '10' could have a new heir

Luka Modric confirmed his departure from Real Madrid after the white team's elimination from the Club World Cup. The white team says goodbye to the Croatian footballer after 13 years full of titles. In addition, the "10" will be completely free after the midfielder's departure.

While Real Madrid considers its replacement and looks to the market to strengthen the midfield, it is also considering who will be the new "10". Of course, it won't be easy for whoever inherits a number with such historical weight to live up to Luka Modric.

Who are the candidates to wear Real Madrid's "10"?

It is worth remembering that, at the moment when Toni Kroos left, there was hardly any debate. The "8" went to Fede Valverde, a designated heir by the German himself who has known how to carry the weight of his "master's" legacy. With Luka Modric, who hasn't said who he'd like to take over, there are several pending options in the current Real Madrid squad.

First, there's the option of Rodrygo Goes, whose relationship with Luka Modric has always been exceptional. In addition, the Brazilian has already spent six years in Real Madrid's first team, and seniority always prevails in these kinds of decisions. However, the future of the Carioca, who seems set to leave the club this summer, may mean he doesn't end up wearing the "10".

"To be honest, I'd really like it. I'm going to talk to him about it. I want him to stay one more year, and when he's not here, I'd like to have it", said Rodrygo in 2023 about Luka Modric's number.

In addition to Rodrygo, there are other footballers in the squad like Arda Güler or Franco Mastantuono who could take on the challenge of the "10". However, there is a footballer in the squad who is the clear favorite to take the aforementioned number.

Kylian Mbappé could be Real Madrid's new "10"

Just as Cristiano Ronaldo did with Raúl's "7", Kylian Mbappé could make the same move with Luka Modric's "10".

In Paris, he wore the "7" because the "10" belonged to Neymar, and in Madrid, he started with the "9" due to Luka Modric's presence. However, the possibility of him changing numbers over time in the white team has always been considered. In addition, the Frenchman already knows what it's like to wear the "10" for France, so it wouldn't be something unfamiliar to him.

Meanwhile, at Real Madrid, they want Kylian Mbappé to wear the number "10" starting next season. At the club, they believe that the club's jersey sales would increase if the Frenchman starts wearing that number.