Some might say football jersey numbers don't excite fans like they used to, when the No 10 or a No 7 on the back of a shirt was considered iconic.

However, when it comes to Real Madrid, one of the biggest clubs in the world, the number game still matters, going beyond recognition for a special talent.

Real announced French superstar Kylian Mbappe as their new No 10, the mantle transferred from Croatian legend Luka Modric, who departed for AC Milan.

Mbappe joins an elite list comprising Ferenc Puskas, Clarence Seedorf, Luis Figo, Gheorghe Hagi and Mesut Ozil to wear the No 10 at Real.

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Mbappe wore No 9 in his first season with the Spanish giants, scoring 44 goals in all competitions since his move from PSG.

The upgrade in Mbappe's shirt number indicates that the La Liga heavyweights see the Frenchman as the face of the club and not Brazilian wing wizard Vinicius Jr.

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Though Vinicius inherited Cristiano Ronaldo's No 7 at Real, he has had his share of controversies over the years.

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