In an unexpected twist, young Turkish midfielder Arda Güler has been handed Real Madrid’s iconic No. 10 shirt following Luka Modric’s departure—a decision that stunned the dressing room. While Kylian Mbappé was widely expected to inherit the number, a pivotal club meeting saw Güler emerge as the surprise choice, leaving players and fans in disbelief. The No. 10 jersey at Madrid carries immense weight, symbolizing legacy and leadership.
Modric’s exit left a void many assumed Mbappé, the club’s marquee summer signing, would fill. The French superstar had worn the number for France and saw it as a key part of his new chapter at the Bernabéu. However, behind the scenes, a different narrative was unfolding. Despite an injury-disrupted season, the 20-year-old Güler had quietly impressed with his maturity and technical brilliance. His standout performance against Celta Vigo, followed by a masterclass in El Clásico, convinced the club’s hierarchy that he was ready for a bigger role. New manager Xabi Alonso reportedly championed Güler, labeling him “untouchable” and a future cornerstone.
The final decision came after a high-stakes meeting involving president Florentino Pérez, Alonso, and key advisors. Güler’s unwavering confidence—declaring he would “earn, not take for granted” the shirt—reportedly swayed the room. Pérez backed the move, emphasizing the need to prioritize rising talent over global superstars. Mbappé, though respectful, was said to be perplexed by the decision. The Frenchman had mentally prepared to wear the No. 10, and the snub has introduced subtle tension within the squad.
However, Alonso has made it clear: under his leadership, merit will always outweigh reputation. Güler, aware of the responsibility, vowed to honor the jersey. “I will carry it with pride but prove my worth every match,” he stated. Fans, initially divided, have begun rallying behind the youngster, seeing his ascension as a shift toward a new, homegrown-focused era. Modric, departing after a legendary tenure, privately endorsed Güler, telling him, “It’s your time now. Lead with your heart.” The move signals Madrid’s commitment to nurturing talent over chasing glamour—a gamble that could define their future.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Güler’s rise isn’t just about a number. It’s a statement—one that has left the locker room in awe and the football world watching closely.