FC Barcelona:
Current No. 10: Ansu Fati
Expected No. 10 in 2025/26: Lamine Yamal
Real Madrid:
Current No. 10: Luka Modrić
Expected No. 10 in 2025/26: Kylian Mbappé
The No. 10 shirt is more than just a number — it’s a symbol of brilliance, creativity, and leadership on the pitch. At both Barcelona and Real Madrid, the number carries the weight of history, having been worn by icons who shaped the identity of each club. Now, a new era is emerging.
Barcelona: From Ansu Fati to Lamine Yamal
Once handed the No. 10 shirt in the wake of Lionel Messi’s departure, Ansu Fati was seen as the natural heir to Barcelona’s legacy of homegrown stars. However, injuries and inconsistency have slowed his progress, leading to speculation that the shirt — and the spotlight — may soon pass to Lamine Yamal, the teenage sensation who has taken both La Liga and the international stage by storm.
If Yamal does inherit the shirt, it would signal Barcelona’s full backing of the 17-year-old as the next cornerstone of their project. His exceptional vision, confidence, and maturity far beyond his years already suggest he’s destined for greatness — and the No. 10 would simply confirm it.
Real Madrid: From Luka Modrić to Kylian Mbappé
At Real Madrid, the No. 10 currently belongs to Luka Modrić, a midfield maestro who has defined an era with his elegance, intelligence, and relentless drive. But as the Croatian legend nears retirement, a new leader is ready to step into the limelight — Kylian Mbappé.
Mbappé’s long-anticipated move to Madrid represents more than a blockbuster signing — it’s a changing of the guard. By potentially wearing the No. 10, Mbappé would be cemented not just as a Galáctico, but as the face of the club’s future. The pressure will be immense, but few players in world football are as prepared — or as hungry — to carry that burden.
Conclusion:
Both Barcelona and Real Madrid are preparing for monumental transitions in their attacking identities. As legends move on, the arrival of Yamal and Mbappé as the new No. 10s reflects a deeper narrative: Spanish football is entering a new generation. Whether these young stars can live up to the weight of expectation remains to be seen — but all eyes will be on them when the 2025/26 season begins.
