With Kylian Mbappe set to inherit Real Madrid’s iconic No.10 shirt, attention turns to the prestigious legacy of the number.
From legends to short-lived stints, the No.10 jersey at the Bernabeu has a rich — and sometimes surprising — history.
In this blog, we rank every player to have worn the Real Madrid No.10 shirt since the year 2000, just as Mbappe prepares to make it his own.
8. Lassana Diarra
A talented player, no doubt, but Diarra’s inclusion at the bottom of this list is more a testament to the depth of quality that’s worn the No.10.
The French midfielder was far from the traditional creative playmaker associated with the shirt. Known more for his defensive prowess,
Diarra joined Madrid in 2009 and initially wore No.6. He switched to No.10 after Wesley Sneijder’s departure, but he never truly looked at home in that role.
After falling out of favor following Sami Khedira’s arrival, he left for Anzhi Makhachkala in 2012.
7. Robinho
Once tipped as the next big Brazilian superstar, Robinho arrived at Madrid in 2005 with sky-high expectations — and was immediately handed the No.10 shirt.
Despite flashes of brilliance, inconsistency and off-field issues clouded his stint.
He managed two La Liga titles but left in 2008 to become Manchester City’s marquee signing.
His career has since been tarnished by legal troubles, including a conviction for sexual assault.
6. James Rodríguez
James earned global fame after his Golden Boot-winning performance at the 2014 World Cup, prompting Madrid to sign him in a big-money move.
He dazzled at times but struggled with injuries and inconsistency. Between 2014 and 2020,
he scored 37 goals and provided 42 assists in 125 appearances — not a poor return,
but never quite fulfilling his immense potential in the Spanish capital.
5. Wesley Sneijder
The Dutch midfielder made a thunderous start at Madrid in 2007, scoring in a derby win against Atletico and helping Los Blancos clinch La Liga.
But the following season saw a dip in form and fitness, with Sneijder eventually falling down the pecking order.
The arrivals of Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka pushed him out, and he was sold to Inter Milan in 2009 — where he promptly won a historic treble.
4. Mesut Özil
A creative genius, Özil joined Madrid in 2010 and quickly became one of the finest playmakers in world football.
Under José Mourinho, he formed a lethal trio with Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. His 81 assists in 159 games speak volumes.
He helped Madrid win La Liga in 2011–12, breaking Barcelona’s dominance. Sold in 2013 to fund Gareth Bale’s arrival,
Özil’s exit was met with dismay — even Ronaldo said: “He was the player who best understood my movement.”
3. Clarence Seedorf
Though most of his Madrid tenure was pre-2000, Seedorf wore the No.10 during the early part of the new millennium before his departure in 1999.
Known for his powerful long-range strikes — including a 40-yard goal against Atletico Madrid — Seedorf helped Los Blancos to a
league title and the 1998 Champions League. He remains the only player to win the Champions League with three different clubs.
2. Luka Modrić
One of the finest midfielders in modern history, Modrić didn’t always wear the No.10 at Madrid,
but when he did, he wore it with pride. Signed in 2012, he initially faced criticism but silenced doubters to become a club icon.
In 2018, he ended the Messi-Ronaldo Ballon d’Or duopoly and led Croatia to a World Cup final. Over a decade later,
Modrić is still pulling the strings in midfield — a living legend.
1. Luís Figo
The most iconic No.10 at Real Madrid in the 21st century,
Luís Figo’s transfer from Barcelona to Madrid remains one of the most controversial in football history.
Despite the backlash, Figo lived up to the hype — winning La Liga, the Champions League, and the 2000 Ballon d’Or.
As the first Galáctico of the Florentino Pérez era, Figo set the standard for star signings at the Bernabeu.
After Madrid, he ended his career with more silverware at Inter Milan.
Honorable Mention: Kylian Mbappé
Set to join this elite list, Mbappé will soon make the No.10 his own in Madrid.
Given his incredible pace, goalscoring record, and global appeal, expectations are sky-high.
Can he top this list in the years to come? Only time will tell.
Final Thoughts
The No.10 shirt at Real Madrid is more than a number — it’s a legacy.
As Mbappé prepares to write his chapter, he follows in the footsteps of some true greats.
From Figo’s fire to Modrić’s magic, this jersey has seen it all.
Which No.10 was your favorite? Who do you think Mbappé can surpass? Let us know in the comments!
Tags: #RealMadrid #KylianMbappe #LukaModric #LuisFigo #MesutOzil #JamesRodriguez #Sneijder #Robinho #Seedorf #No10Shirt
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