The arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid has unleashed a storm at Santiago Bernabéu that few could anticipate. The English right side, one of the most prominent talents of his generation, has shaken the Madrid wardrobe with his first major decision after signing with the club: to get the iconic number 10 shirt, so far in the hands of Luka Modrić. This choice, which many have described as a bold, has generated an immediate reaction of Kylian Mbappé, who would have launched an ultimatum into the club: “If that happens, I will leave here.” The stir has not only captured the attention of fans, but also calls into question in a team full of stars.
Alexander-Arnold’s transfer to Real Madrid took place after months of negotiations, with the white club taking advantage of the fact that the 26-year-old ended contract with Liverpool. According to sources as a brand and the official Real Madrid statement, the agreement links English with the club until 2031, and 10 million euros were paid to Liverpool to ensure their participation in the Club World Cup that begins on June 13, 2025. His arrival responds to the need to reinforce the right wing after Dani Carvajal’s injury, but no one expected his first action to be so controversial. The number 10, historically associated with players such as Ferenc Puskás, Zinedine Zidane and Modrić himself, is a symbol of creativity and leadership, more typical of offensive or front midfields than from the side, however offensive it may be.
Luka Modrić, at 39, is still a revered figure in Real Madrid. Although his role in the team has decreased this season, the 10 shirt is still an emblem of his legacy. Alexander-Arnold’s decision to claim it, with the apparent support of the Directive, has been seen as a declaration of intentions. The English, known for his vision of the game and his millimeter passes, seems to want to transcend the traditional role of right side, positioning himself as a creative pillar in the Xabi Alonso scheme. However, this choice has unleashed internal tensions, especially with Kylian Mbappé, who, according to rumors, expected to inherit number 10 after the eventual departure from Modrić.
Mbappé, who arrived at Real Madrid in the summer of 2024 after a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, has had an irregular start at the club. Despite its annual salary of 15 million euros and a signing bonus of 117.5 million, according to the journalist Marçal Lorente, his performance has not fully complied with expectations. The possibility of Alexander-Arnold, a newcomer, appropriating such a symbolic number has been interpreted by French as an affront. His ultimatum, according to sources close to the locker room, reflects his frustration and his desire to maintain a leadership status in the team. The situation tests Xabi Alonso’s ability to manage a costume full of egos and personalities.
The conflict over number 10 is not only a matter of symbols, but also of power dynamics. Alexander-Arnold, who arrives with a salary of 15 million euros per year, according to The Sun, is located in the club’s salary elite, only below Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., Jude Bellingham and David Alaba. His decision to make number 10 could be a way of marking territory, but also a risk. In Liverpool, where Dorsal 66 wore, he never had problems with the Premier League rules, but in LaLiga, the RFEF limits the dorsals to the numbers from 1 to 25 for the players of the first team, which forced him to choose a new one. The election of 10, however, was not in the plans of many, especially Mbappé.
Real Madrid, which is prepared for the Club World Cup, now faces an additional challenge: maintaining the team cohesion. The press, from AS to Bloomberg Line, has highlighted the strategic importance of this signing, but also the complications it brings. Will Alexander-Arnold give in to Mbappé’s pressure? Or will the French continue with his threat to leave the club? For now, Santiago Bernabéu is a hotbed of speculation, and the world of football is looking forward to the next chapter of this saga. The only clear thing is that the arrival of Alexander-Arnold has not gone unnoticed, and its impact, for better or worse, is already marking the season.
