The number shirt 10 of the Real Madrid It is, for decades, much more than a simple dorsal. It represents talent, hierarchy and a creative vision of the game that has been embodied by some of the most iconic players in the club. After the recent departure of Luka Modric al Milanwho wore the 10 Between 2017 and 2025, the number is vacant waiting for a new heir. Many wonder who will be their relief, others who was the last Spanish that the mythical 10 of the Real Madrid.
Everything indicates what will be Arda Smilingthe promising Turkish midfielder, who receives the witness. But before him, who was the last Spaniard who wore that mythical shirt? To find the last Spanish footballer who wore number 10 of the Real Madrid You have to go back more than two decades ago, until the 1993-94 season. That year, the now PSG coach, Luis Enriquehe was midfielder of the white club and closed his stage as a bearer of the dorsal before giving him in the next campaign to another iconic player, Michael Laudrup. Since then, nine players have dressed the number 10 Merengue … and all of them have been foreigners.
After Luis Enriquehe 10 passed to Laudrupwho wore it for two seasons. Subsequently, in 1996, it was assigned to the Dutchman Clarence Seedorfwhich took it until 1999. As of the year 2000, the number found continuity in another illustrious foreigner: the Portuguese Luis Figowho kept it for five seasons. Figo It also became the most successful player with this number in the last two decades: he conquered seven titles, including two leagues, a Champions League and an intercontinental cup. In the year of his arrival at Real Madridhe received the Golden Ball and was recognized as the best footballer in the world by the FIFA.
In later years, other weight names carried the number 10: Shave (2005–2008), Wesley Sageer (2008–2009), Lassana Diara (2009–2010), Mesut Self -esteem (2010–2013) y James Rodríguez (2014–2017). Finally, Luka Modric He inherited the dorsal in 2017, and with him lived one of the most successful stages of the club, contributing not only leadership, but also elegance to the center of the field of the field Real Madrid.
This long period without a Spaniard as a carrier of the 10 It is no accident. He Real Madrid He has oriented many of his great creative bets towards international figures of great impact, which has moved away the national talents of one of the most emblematic dorsals of the locker room. However, the club has maintained a coherent line: to grant that number to soccer players who, beyond its nationality, symbolize the essence of the offensive and creative game that is expected in the Santiago Bernabéu.
The imminent choice of Arda Smiling Like new 10 Not only obeys a numerical need. The Turkish young man represents the ideal profile: early talent, game vision, an exquisite left -hander and a total commitment to the growth process in the club. Although their first two years have been marked by injuries, Smiling He has left his mark on every time he has had on the grass. His attitude has always been a determining factor and now with Xabi Alonso in front, everything indicates that its role will be more important, especially after delivering the 10.
