Eden Hazard wanted Luka Modric's number 10 shirt

Real Madrid assigned Eden Hazard a different jersey number than the one he had hoped for. The former Belgian striker revealed in an interview with Spanish media outlet Marca that he had wished to wear the number 10, previously worn by Luka Modric. The club from the Spanish capital ultimately offered him a different number, without specifying which one in its statements. The club’s uniform choices have often sparked questions among supporters in recent seasons.

Eden Hazard, signed by Real Madrid in 2019 for a record fee of €100 million, shared this anecdote during an interview where he reflected on his experience at the club. He explained that the number 10 held significant meaning for him, but the club’s management made a different decision. “I asked for the number 10, but it was denied to me,” he stated without elaborating. This revelation comes as Real Madrid undergoes a transitional period with several changes in its squad and technical staff. The number 10 is traditionally associated with iconic players like Zinédine Zidane or, more recently, Luka Modric. The latter, a club legend, made history wearing this jersey before leaving in 2024. Hazard, for his part, departed the club in 2023 after four seasons marked by recurring injuries and performances that fell short of expectations. His time at Real Madrid remains a mix of unmet expectations and symbolic anecdotes. Hazard’s revelation comes at a time when Real Madrid is rebuilding its team around young talents and experienced players. The club, accustomed to attracting global football stars, is trying to balance tradition and modernity. While uniform choices may seem secondary, they sometimes reflect these broader challenges. Now retired, Hazard has chosen to share this anecdote to close a chapter in his career filled with twists and turns. Luka Modric, meanwhile, joined Juventus after leaving Real Madrid, where he continues to dazzle with his talent despite his age. The number 10 jersey, which he wore for nearly a decade at the club, is now vacant, though Real Madrid has not yet announced who might take it over. Luka Modric, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, remains an iconic figure in world football. As for Eden Hazard, he chose to speak about this issue for the first time since his departure. His testimony sheds light on the inner workings of the Madrid club, where uniform decisions can take on symbolic significance.