Real Madrid is facing an unexpected crisis in the middle of preseason, with Kylian Mbappé, the club’s newly arrived French star, at the center of controversy. According to sources close to the dressing room, Mbappé has issued an unprecedented ultimatum to the board led by Florentino Pérez: if the young Turkish talent Arda Güler is handed the iconic number 10 shirt, which until recently belonged to Luka Modrić, the forward will terminate his contract and seek a new destination. This statement has shaken the foundations of the Santiago Bernabéu, generating speculation about the future of the galactico project and the coexistence in a dressing room full of egos and ambitions.
Mbappé, who signed with Real Madrid in the summer of 2024 after years of negotiations, has been the club’s star signing, with expectations of leading the team into a new era of success. However, his adaptation has not been as smooth as expected. Despite his undeniable quality, the Frenchman has faced criticism for his inconsistent performance at the Club World Cup, where Real Madrid failed to retain its dominance. The pressure on Mbappé has grown, and his relationship with some teammates, especially young talents like Güler, appears to be at a critical point. The possibility that the 20-year-old Turk could inherit the number 10 shirt, a symbol of hierarchy and prestige, has sparked fury for the Frenchman, who believes that distinction should fall to him or, at least, to a player with more experience.
The number 10 shirt, which Modrić wore masterfully for over a decade, became vacant after the Croatian decided to take on a more secondary role this season, with rumors of a possible retirement or transfer at the end of the campaign. Arda Güler, who has impressed with his talent and vision, was seen as the ideal candidate to inherit the number, a gesture the board viewed as a commitment to the future. However, Mbappé interprets this decision as a lack of respect for his status as the leader of the project. According to sources, the Frenchman reportedly communicated his displeasure directly to Florentino Pérez, arguing that assigning the number to Güler would send the wrong message about the team’s hierarchy.
Mbappé’s ultimatum isn’t just a matter of numbers. Behind his stance lies a power struggle within the dressing room. The Frenchman, aware of his role as the club’s biggest star, is looking to consolidate his leadership in a team packed with talents like Vinícius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Güler himself. Coexistence between these figures hasn’t been easy, and the arrival of Xabi Alonso as coach has added further pressure, as the Basque manager demands absolute commitment and doesn’t tolerate internal conflict. Alonso, who has backed Güler’s promotion due to his discipline and potential, finds himself in a delicate position, as alienating Mbappé could have devastating consequences for the project.
The board, for its part, faces a monumental dilemma. Mbappé, with a five-year contract and an astronomical release clause, is the cornerstone of Real Madrid’s sporting and commercial project. Losing him would be a devastating blow, not only because of his quality on the pitch, but also because of the impact on the club’s image. However, giving in to his ultimatum could weaken Alonso’s authority and send a message of favoritism that destabilizes the rest of the team. Florentino Pérez, known for his skill in crisis management, is exploring all options, including the possibility of assigning the number 10 to another consensus player or leaving it temporarily vacant.
Meanwhile, the transfer market remains open, and rumors about possible destinations for Mbappé have already begun to circulate. Clubs such as Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, and even Bayern Munich are reportedly keen to pursue any move. However, Mbappé’s departure seems unlikely in the short term, given Real Madrid’s financial commitment and the player’s determination to succeed at the club. For his part, Güler, oblivious to the controversy, continues to focus on earning a place in the starting eleven, displaying a maturity that belies his youth.
The Real Madrid fans, divided between their support for Mbappé and their enthusiasm for Güler’s emerging talent, hope for a resolution that doesn’t compromise the team’s future. What is clear is that this crisis is testing Florentino Pérez and Xabi Alonso’s ability to manage a dressing room full of stars and egos. The outcome of this controversy will define Real Madrid’s direction in a season that is already shaping up to be one of the most turbulent in recent years.
