Real Madrid announced various changes to shirt numbers on Wednesday afternoon, including a new one for the departing Toni Kroos. Meanwhile, new signing Kylian Mbappé will wear the 9th
in future.
Now Real Madrid have a new number 9 – even on paper. New summer signing Kylian Mbappé will be wearing the iconic number previously worn by Brazil’s Ronaldo and, for one season, Cristiano Ronaldo, among others. Most recently, Karim Benzema wore the 9 on his back for a total of 13 years in Madrid. Mbappé is now expected to fill the gap left by his departure to Saudi Arabia, particularly in sporting terms.
The fact that Toni Kroos’ number 8, which the midfielder took over when he arrived in the summer of 2014 as a newly crowned world champion, will be passed on was announced by the German European Championship player himself. At the celebrations following the La Liga and Champions League titles, Kroos had brought the shy Fede Valverde to the microphone and presented him as his “number successor”. The Uruguayan, who is currently still in contention for the Copa America title, had worn 15 since the 2018/19 season
Arda Güler also swaps
“Movement” is also taking place in other positions: Eduardo Camavinga moves from 12 to 6, which had previously been worn by captain Nacho (moving to Saudi Arabia), and Aurelien Tchouameni moves from 18 to 14, which was vacated by Joselu’s departure. In addition to the two French internationals, Arda Güler also changes his shirt number – the Turkish European Championship player gives up 24 for Valverde’s 15.
The fifth and final change to the squad concerns former Frankfurt player Jesus Vallejo, who will now wear Tchouameni’s 18 after returning from Granada. The 27-year-old already wore the 3 and the 5 in Madrid. Real announced that the new jerseys would be available at all points of sale on Thursday.
