After putting on the No. 10 jersey, Mbappe changed his whole body

In Real Madrid, the No. 10 jersey has never been just a cold number. It carries the thickness of history and the glory of legend, and is a symbol of wisdom, dedication and extraordinary mission. From the pioneering era of Distefano to the interpretation of it as an art and tenacity to Modric, this battle robe is always waiting for its next master. Now, when Mbappe put on this No. 10 jersey that symbolizes glory, a brand new story begins with a desire for commercial value, expectations and self-provement.

Mbappe's desire for the No. 10 jersey is not accidental. This summer, when he offered to inherit Modric's No. 10 jersey that he wore for seven years, Real Madrid chairman Florentino Perez and sponsor Adidas undoubtedly smelled a huge business opportunity. As it turns out, this is not only a commercial success, but also a strategic choice. In just a few days, more than 345,000 No. 10 jerseys with the name Mbappe were sold out, bringing amazing benefits to the club. Real Madrid once again proved to the world that it is not only a football club, but also a top sports brand with global influence.

However, this No. 10 jersey contains much more than that. Coach Xavi Alonso, who faced severe challenges in his first season at the Bernabeu, quickly reminded Mbappe: "This jersey is not a decoration." What it requires is far more than the shining of goals, but also personality, responsibility and wholehearted dedication, just as Modric has shown over the years.

In the first two games of La Liga in 2025/26, Mbappe quickly gave a convincing response: three goals, including a double score against Oviedo, showed his consistent scoring ability. However, what is even more remarkable is the significant change in his attitude towards the game. People were surprised to see that Mbappe took the initiative to retreat when defending set pieces, actively participated in defensive interception, and even created opportunities for the team's counterattack. These "dirty work" that coach Louis Enrique had expected but rarely seen during the Paris Saint-Germain period has now become the norm for Mbappe at Real Madrid.

He is becoming an indispensable balance fulcrum for the team: he can not only contribute goals continuously and efficiently, but also convey a positive team spirit. In the game against Oviedo, when Vinicius, who gave him an assist, was emotionally excited by an argument with the fans, Mbappe rushed forward immediately, hugged and covered his teammate's mouth, and quickly calmed down the storm. This seemingly slight move clearly demonstrates his growing leadership temperament in the locker room.

In addition to his performance on the court, Mbappe also won the hearts of the people with his delicate way of dealing with things. During the halftime break, he took the initiative to give his first No. 10 jersey away to a young fan wearing a blue jersey. He did not capture the camera deliberately, nor did he buy cards in advance. After the game, when teammate Antonio Rudiger refused to exchange jerseys with Oviedo players, Mbappe sent his training suit out to ensure that the opponent did not return empty-handed. These moves may not directly help the team win the championship, but they create an image of a leader who knows how to care and can have a positive impact on the surroundings - this is exactly the style that a top giant like Real Madrid should have.

After winning 3-0, coach Alonso admitted: "We know Mbappe will score goals, but when he is willing to actively press and assist in defense from the front line, the entire team will be much more efficient." This statement clearly reveals the expectations of the young coach: what he needs is not only a goal machine, but also a player who is comprehensive and willing to sacrifice for the collective.

Currently, Real Madrid has a lot of talents in offensive line: Rodrigo unexpectedly got a starting opportunity, and 18-year-old star Franko Mastantoon performed well. Although Vinicius scored a goal to lock in the victory, his provocative behavior and a rough foul were almost sent off by a red card, which also made people see that the team needs a more stable core.

In this context, Mbappe stood out and became the fulcrum of the team: he not only maintained efficient goal output, but also conveyed a positive team spirit.

In Real Madrid, there is no shortage of "short-term heroes", but few players can truly integrate, maintain long-term stability and become real leaders. Mbappe showed his dual contribution of goals and attitude at the beginning of the season, which shows that he has a deep understanding of the new role he shoulders. Real Madrid's No. 10 is not just a beautiful number that is convenient for selling jerseys. It is a declaration: willing to take responsibility, willing to make sacrifices, and aspire to be legendary.