The Real Madrid Number 10 Legacy: Midfield Masters Before Mbappe
The iconic number 10 shirt at Real Madrid is about to get a new owner — Kylian Mbappe. The French superstar has confirmed that he will wear the number 10 jersey in the upcoming season, after previously wearing number 9. This is the same number he wears for the French national team and is often seen as the jersey of playmakers, leaders, and creative geniuses.
While Mbappe is not a traditional midfielder, the number 10 at Real Madrid has mostly been worn by some of the greatest — and sometimes forgotten — Real Madrid midfielders of the modern era.
Let’s take a look at the history of the Real Madrid number 10 shirt, and the Real Madrid midfielders who have worn it since the year 2000.
1. Luis Figo (1999–2005)
One of the most iconic Real Madrid midfielders of the early 2000s, Luis Figo took the number 10 shirt after his controversial move from Barcelona. Although this happened in 2000, his arrival shook the football world. Figo brought class, vision, and leadership to the team.
He didn’t score too many goals — just 38 in total — but he was key in Real Madrid winning two La Liga titles and a Champions League trophy. Figo remains one of the most respected Real Madrid midfielders to have worn the number 10 shirt.
2. Robinho (2005–2008)
Next came Robinho, a skillful Brazilian with high expectations on his shoulders. He was considered one of the most exciting talents in world football when he joined Los Blancos. Wearing the number 10 from 2005 to 2008, Robinho had moments of brilliance but struggled with consistency.
While not one of the most successful Real Madrid midfielders, he still made a decent contribution in goals and assists. Injuries and time on the bench eventually slowed down his career at the club.
3. Wesley Sneijder (2008–2009)
The number 10 shirt then passed to Dutchman Wesley Sneijder, who joined from Ajax. Sneijder is remembered for his passing range and set-piece abilities. During the 2008/09 season, he became one of the Real Madrid midfielders trusted to control the tempo of the game.
However, injuries and inconsistent performances meant that Sneijder couldn’t fully shine at the club. He moved on after one season and went on to enjoy huge success at Inter Milan.
4. Lassana Diarra (2009–2011)
Perhaps the most unexpected player to wear the number 10 shirt was Lassana Diarra. Known for his defensive skills, Diarra was not a creative midfielder, but he was one of the hardworking Real Madrid midfielders under coach José Mourinho.
Diarra wore the number 10 from 2009 to 2011 and often played as a defensive midfielder. While not flashy, he was important in helping Real Madrid win tough games with his grit and energy. However, he lost his starting role to Sami Khedira and later moved on.
5. Mesut Ozil (2011–2013)
Mesut Ozil brought magic to the number 10 shirt. He was signed after the 2010 World Cup and quickly became one of the most beloved Real Madrid midfielders of the 2010s. Ozil had outstanding vision and became the top assist provider in La Liga for three straight seasons.
He wore the number 10 shirt starting in his second season, and his style of play was perfect for Real Madrid’s attacking style. Many fans still believe selling Ozil to Arsenal in 2013 was a mistake. He is often called a “streets won’t forget” player — a tribute to his creativity.
6. James Rodriguez (2014–2017)
After Ozil, Colombian star James Rodriguez was given the number 10 jersey in 2014 following his incredible performance at the World Cup. With a massive transfer fee, expectations were sky high. And in his first season, James delivered with goals and assists.
However, his role became less important under new coaches, and he was eventually loaned to Bayern Munich. Still, James is remembered as one of the most technically gifted Real Madrid midfielders of the last decade.
7. Luka Modric (2017–2024)
No list of legendary Real Madrid midfielders is complete without Luka Modric. After James left, Modric was given the number 10 shirt — and he wore it with pride until 2024. Known for his intelligence, control, and unmatched work ethic, Modric became a symbol of Real Madrid’s dominance in Europe.
He helped the club win multiple Champions League titles, and in 2018, he even won the Ballon d’Or. Modric may be the greatest of all the Real Madrid midfielders to have worn the number 10 shirt.
Now Comes Kylian Mbappe (2024–)
With Luka Modric’s departure, Kylian Mbappe will now take on the legacy of the number 10 shirt. Though he is a forward, not a midfielder, the expectations will be just as high. He will need to live up to the standard set by legendary Real Madrid midfielders before him.
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Final Thoughts
The number 10 jersey at Real Madrid has passed through the hands of some legendary names. Most of them were creative and influential Real Madrid midfielders, known for their brilliance on the pitch. From Figo to Modric, the shirt has symbolized excellence, intelligence, and style.
As Kylian Mbappe steps into this role, fans will hope he can write a new chapter in the history of the famous Real Madrid number 10 jersey — just like the great Real Madrid midfielders who came before him.
