Absolute core: Mbappe will take over Real Madrid s No. 10 jersey after Club World Cup

The Club World Cup next month will be the first challenge Xavi Alonso faces as Real Madrid head coach. The young coach hinted in his inaugural speech that there will be major changes in the team.

Alonso hopes to promote a more controlled and offensive football style in the team, which means Real Madrid will usher in personnel changes at multiple levels. This includes Luka Modric's departure.

Modric has been Real Madrid's most reliable midfielder for more than a decade. His departure is a huge change in the club's development trajectory, and also marks the team's core position as the No. 10 jersey has finally been vacant.

According to Spanish media El Chiringuito, Modric will continue to wear the No. 10 jersey during the Club World Cup, and Mbappe will officially take it after that, symbolizing that the French striker will become the absolute core of Real Madrid's future. After joining last summer, Mbappe inherited the No. 9 jersey of his French compatriot Benzema, however, he has always hoped to switch back to No. 10, which is the same number as his jersey number for the French national team.

In history, many legends in Real Madrid have worn No. 10 jerseys, including Puskas, Gallego, Figo and Modric. Now, Mbappe inherits the jersey from the Croatians, which means his position in the team will be further improved.

Mbappe won the La Liga Golden Boot Awards and the European Golden Boot Awards in his first year at Real Madrid and set a new record for goals in his debut season. His name will surely be engraved with his own legend in the club's history.