From Barcelona’s teenage prodigies to Real Madrid’s Galácticos and Arsenal’s rising gems, these players were rewarded with iconic jersey numbers ahead of the 2025/26 season.
As the new football season kicks off, fans are not only buzzing about new signings, fresh kits, and a brand-new ball, but also about the squad number changes that have been handed to some of the world’s most exciting players. For a few footballers, the summer brought a major upgrade in the numbers they’ll be wearing on their backs – and with it, new responsibility and prestige.
Here are 8 players whose numbers were upgraded this summer.
1. Lamine Yamal – Barcelona (Official website)
Last season, the teenage sensation wore the number 19. But with Ansu Fati moving on loan to Monaco, Barça made the bold call to hand Yamal the legendary number 10 shirt. From Maradona to Ronaldinho to Messi, the number carries massive weight. Yamal even unveiled it in a special video with his little brother, showing just how proud he was of the honor.
2. Pau Cubarsí – Barcelona (Official website)
He wasn’t left out of the upgrades either. Following Iñigo Martínez’s departure to Al Nassr, Cubarsí was given the iconic number 4 shirt – once worn by Ronald Koeman and Pep Guardiola. A huge step up for the young defender.
3. Cole Palmer – Chelsea (Official website)
After joining in 2023, Palmer wore the number 20. But following Mykhailo Mudryk’s suspension, Chelsea handed Palmer the number 10 jersey. Already, he’s proven worthy of it – leading Chelsea to Club World Cup glory with two goals in the final against PSG.
4. Jobe Bellingham – Borussia Dortmund (Official website)
The younger Bellingham brother arrived from Sunderland and initially took the number 77. But ahead of the new season, he was upgraded to the number 7, previously worn by Gio Reyna – who has now been shifted to 21, raising questions about his future.
5. Kylian Mbappé – Real Madrid (Official website)
With Luka Modrić leaving the club, the number 10 jersey became available. Real Madrid handed it to their superstar, Mbappé – a natural choice, given he already wears it for France. The marketing impact was obvious too: Mbappé and the number 10 is simply box office.
6. Jamal Musiala – Bayern Munich (Official website)
Previously the number 42, Musiala was upgraded to Bayern’s number 10 after Leroy Sané left for Galatasaray. Sadly, fans may have to wait to see him shine in it, as he’s sidelined for months after a serious injury against PSG.
7. Endrick – Real Madrid (Official website)
Mbappé’s move to 10 left the number 9 shirt vacant. Instead of handing it to academy star Gonzalo García, the club gave it to their young Brazilian wonderkid. Endrick may not yet be a starter, but the number 9 carries huge expectations at the Bernabéu.
8. Raúl Asencio – Real Madrid (Official website)
The 22-year-old La Fábrica graduate moved from number 35 to number 17, following Lucas Vázquez’s departure. A symbolic reward for his rise into Carlo Ancelotti’s first-team plans.
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