Alexander-Arnold’s first decision after coming to Real Madrid was to wear Luka Modrić’s 10th uniform. Mbappé immediately published an ultimatum: “If so, I will go here.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s arrival in Real Madrid opened a storm in Santiago Bernabéu that very few could predict. The British right side, one of the leading abilities of the generation, shook his wardrobe with the first major decision after signing it with the club: To get 10 iconic shirts in Luka Modrić. This choice, which many of them described as brave, created the immediate response of Kylian Mbappé, who will initiate an ultimatum in the club: “If this happens, I will leave here.” It is not only the attention of the fans, but also in a team full of stars.
Alexander-Arnold’s transfer to Real Madrid took place after months of negotiations, and the white club benefited from the fact that the contract with 26-year-old Liverpool ended. According to resources and official Real Madrid declaration as a brand, the agreement connects English with the club until 2031 and Liverpool paid 10 million euros to ensure their participation in the Club World Cup, which started on June 13, 2025. Historically, Ferenc Puskás, Zinedine Zidane and Modrić, 10 points associated with players, are the symbols of creativity and leadership, an aggressive or front midfield is a more typical symbol of the side, but can be aggressive.
39 -year -old Luka Modrić is still respected in Real Madrid. Although his role in the team has decreased this season, 10 shirts are still an emblem of heritage. Alexander-Arnold’s decision to claim it with the visible support of the directive was seen as a declaration of intention. Known for its vision and millimeter transitions, English wants to overcome the traditional role of the right side and positions it as a creative column in the Xabi Alonso scheme. However, this election, especially rumors, released internal tensions with Kylian Mbappé, who is expected to inherit the number 10 after the final separation from Modrić.
After a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappé, who came to Real Madrid in the summer of 2024, made an irregular start at the club. According to journalist Marçal Lorente, despite the annual salary of 15 million euros and 117.5 million signature bonus, his performance did not fully comply with expectations. The new Alexander-Arnold, the possibility of allocating such a symbolic number, was interpreted as an insult by French. According to sources close to the locker room, its ultimatum reflects its disappointment and the desire to protect the leadership status in the team. The situation tests Xabi Alonso’s ability to manage a costume full of ego and personalities.
Conflict number 10 is not only symbols, but also power dynamics. According to Sun, Alexander-Arnold, who came with a salary of 15 million euros annually, is under the club’s salary elite, only Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., Jude Bellingham and David Alaba. The decision to give number 10 may be a way to mark the area, but may also be a risk. Dansal 66’nin Liverpool’da Premier League rules did not have any problems, but Laliga’da Rfef, the first team’s players limits the ridges from 1 to 25, which forced him to choose a new one. However, the election of 10 was not particularly in Mbappé’s plans.
Real Madrid, which is prepared for the Club World Cup, is now facing an additional difficulty: the continuation of the team harmony. The press to Broomberg Line emphasized not the strategic importance of this signature, but also its complications. Will Alexander-Arnold surrender to the pressure of Mbappé? Or will the French continue to threaten to leave the club? For now, Santiago Bernabéu is a speculation bed and the football world looking forward to the next part of this epic. The only thing that is clear is that Alexander-Arnold’s arrival is not noticed and the effect marks the season for better or worse.
