“MBAPPÉ, YOU HAVE TO LISTEN TO ME” Xabi Alonso gave Arda Güler some surprising advice about which Real Madrid number 10 shirt he wants!

In a football world steeped in symbolism, few numbers hold as much meaning as the number 10. For Real Madrid, this iconic shirt harks back to legends like Luka Modric, whose creative genius captures the essence of the club’s storied history. With the start of the new season under Xabi Alonso, the number 10 has become the epicenter of a discreet shift in power, centered on the wise guidance of Kylian Mbappé, Arda Güler, and Alonso.

With Modric’s departure and the lack of a successor, the number 10 shirt remains vacant, a canvas waiting to be painted with new narratives. The club made its intentions clear by loaning the number to Mbappé earlier this summer, ensuring the French star would wear the shirt for the 2025/26 season. The decision had an impact far beyond the semantics: it was a statement of intent. As one report stated, Real Madrid intended to “use Mbappé as the new face, the central axis of its overall strategy, and perhaps even overshadow Vinícius Jr.”

Xabi Alonso has repeatedly emphasized Mbappé’s ambition and desire to do more for himself and the club, both in training camps and press conferences. “I don’t know if it’s because of being the number 10 or because of wanting to win,” Alonso said. “Mbappé’s hunger is evident every day.” Alonso’s words reflect not only Mbappé’s sporting ambition, but also his vision of harnessing that ambition to achieve collective success.

But it’s not just about Mbappé. Among Real Madrid’s promising youngsters, Arda Güler stands out as a creative force, and many consider him the heir apparent to the number 10 role. Alonso has given greater responsibility to the talented Turkish midfielder, known for his vision and flair. Güler, who put in outstanding performances during preseason and the Club World Cup, spearheaded Real Madrid’s attacking creativity, creating countless chances, making key tackles, and even providing an assist for Mbappé in a crucial friendly. Alonso has openly spoken about investing in Güler’s development, stating that his tactical versatility and physical potential are crucial to the club’s future.

So what does Arda Güler think about the number 10 debate? A few months ago, headlines suggested he wanted that same number. Although he openly stated, “I want to be the number 10,” it has been revealed that the final decision rests with Mbappé, who currently wears the number 9, inherited from Benzema.

Between Mbappé’s established stardom and Güler’s growing promise, Xabi Alonso stands out as a skillful intermediary. While there’s no explicit call for Mbappé to retire, Alonso’s leadership and experience could guide a future transition where talent merges with humility, and the successor presents himself not as a replacement, but as a legacy.

Beyond the numbers, Alonso’s Real Madrid represents an evolving identity: one defined by the intensity of its pressing, the integration of youth players, and tactical balance. Mbappé has already proven himself a pillar of the team with his goals, leadership, and unwavering influence. Meanwhile, Güler, in creating space in midfield, demonstrates a maturity and composure beyond his years.

As the season progresses, the story will continue to unfold. Will Mbappé’s reign as number 10 symbolize an era, or will Güler one day assume the mantle with grace and confidence? Perhaps the most captivating story isn’t the jersey itself, but what it represents: leadership, artistry, and the passing of the footballing torch from one generation to the next.

In this delicate rivalry, Xabi Alonso not only directs the players, but also shapes their future. Along with Mbappé and Güler, he is a brilliant and promising player. The number 10 sits at the intersection of legend and legacy, eternally waiting for the next chapter to be written.