First big questions arise over Real Madrid’s new faces

A game of musical chairs is about to unfold at Real Madrid. It happens every summer, as usual—but this time, it’s set to be more exciting than ever. That’s because the team is undergoing significant changes, with key players departing and new stars arriving to refresh the squad. And the shirt numbers—always loaded with history and symbolism at Madrid—are about to start changing hands.

One major shift, still unconfirmed but widely expected, is Luka Modrić’s departure. That would leave the iconic number 10 shirt vacant—most likely for Kylian Mbappé. The Frenchman wore the number 7 at PSG, but that jersey belongs to Vinícius at Madrid. The 10, however, feels like home to Mbappé, as it’s the number he wears for the French national team.

If Mbappé takes the 10, that would free up the number 9. It’s not impossible for the legendary striker’s number to remain unassigned—it already happened in the 2023–24 season. Joselu was expected to take it upon arrival but opted for the 14 instead. This time, though, there’s a sense in Madrid that Endrick won’t hesitate to claim the 9 and leave behind the 16 he’s worn this season.

Now the question is: what numbers will Madrid’s new arrivals wear?

So far, two signings are confirmed—Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold. The numbers currently available, aside from Modrić’s 10, are 12, 16, 17, 18, 24, and 25. If Álvaro Carreras joins, Fran García’s 20 and Mendy’s 22 could also open up, as it seems unlikely Madrid will head into next season with three left-backs.

Huijsen and Alexander-Arnold: the next in line

Huijsen recently wore the number 2 at Bournemouth, but that shirt belongs to Dani Carvajal at Madrid, who will be the team’s first captain. Huijsen doesn’t seem too concerned, though. “At Bournemouth, number 2 was almost the only one available, and 12 is the one I wear with the national team. It’s not something I worry about. We’ll see what number I end up with,” he told AS.

Well, if he wants the 12, it’s currently free.

Then there’s Alexander-Arnold, who wore 66 at Liverpool. But in Spain, players can only wear numbers 1–25 unless they’re youth players without a first-team contract—so 66 is off the table.

In the national team, he’s alternated between numbers 2 and 8, but neither is available at Madrid. However, if you add the digits of 66 together—6 + 6—you get 12. Coincidence? Maybe. But it could be an option.

A voluntary—or even forced—change of number isn’t off the table either. Just last summer, Vallejo gave up the number 5 shirt for Jude Bellingham, who expressed his gratitude right away during his first press conference as a Madrid player.