Trent Alexander-Arnold’s arrival at Real Madrid has unleashed a storm at the Santiago Bernabéu that few could have anticipated. The English right-back, one of the most outstanding talents of his generation, has shaken up the Real Madrid dressing room with his first major decision after signing for the club: taking over the iconic number 10 shirt, previously held by Luka Modrić. This choice, which many have described as bold, has generated an immediate reaction from Kylian Mbappé, who reportedly issued an ultimatum to the club: “If that happens, I’m leaving here.” The commotion has not only captured the attention of the fans, but also calls into question the harmony within a star-studded team.

Alexander-Arnold’s transfer to Real Madrid was finalized after months of negotiations, with Real Madrid taking advantage of the 26-year-old’s contract with Liverpool ending. According to sources such as MARCA and an official Real Madrid statement, the deal ties the Englishman to the club until 2031, and €10 million was paid to Liverpool to ensure their participation in the Club World Cup, which begins on June 13, 2025. His arrival responds to the need to strengthen the right flank following Dani Carvajal’s injury, but no one expected his first move to be so controversial. The number 10, historically associated with players like Ferenc Puskás, Zinedine Zidane, and Modrić himself, is a symbol of creativity and leadership, more suited to attacking midfielders or forwards than a full-back, no matter how offensive they may be.

Luka Modrić, at 39, remains a revered figure at Real Madrid. Although his role in the team has diminished this season, the number 10 shirt remains emblematic of his legacy. Alexander-Arnold’s decision to reclaim it, with the apparent backing of the board, has been seen as a statement of intent. The Englishman, known for his vision and pinpoint passing, appears to want to transcend the traditional right-back role, positioning himself as a creative pillar in Xabi Alonso’s system. However, this choice has sparked internal tensions, especially with Kylian Mbappé, who was rumored to have hoped to inherit the number 10 following Modrić’s eventual departure.

Mbappé, who joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2024 on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, has had an inconsistent start at the club. Despite his annual salary of €15 million and a €117.5 million signing bonus, according to journalist Marçal Lorente, his performance has not entirely met expectations. The possibility of Alexander-Arnold, a newcomer, taking such a symbolic number has been interpreted by the Frenchman as an affront. His ultimatum, according to sources close to the dressing room, reflects his frustration and his desire to maintain his leadership status within the team. The situation tests Xabi Alonso’s ability to manage a dressing room full of egos and personalities.

The conflict over the number 10 isn’t just a question of symbols, but also of power dynamics. Alexander-Arnold, who arrives on a salary of €15 million per year, according to The Sun, is among the club’s salary elite, behind only Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and David Alaba. His decision to wear the number 10 could be a way of marking his territory, but it’s also a risk. At Liverpool, where he wore the number 66, he never had any issues with Premier League rules, but in La Liga, the RFEF limits shirt numbers to 1 to 25 for first-team players, forcing him to choose a new one. Choosing the number 10, however, wasn’t in the plans of many, especially Mbappé.

Real Madrid, preparing for the Club World Cup, now faces an additional challenge: maintaining team cohesion. Press outlets from AS to Bloomberg have highlighted the strategic importance of this signing, but also the complications it entails. Will Alexander-Arnold cave in to Mbappé’s pressure? Or will the Frenchman continue his threat to leave the club? For now, the Santiago Bernabéu is a hotbed of speculation, and the football world eagerly awaits the next chapter in this saga. The only thing that is clear is that Alexander-Arnold’s arrival has not gone unnoticed, and his impact, for better or worse, is already shaping the season.