It’s been nearly three decades—27 years to be exact—since a Spanish player last wore the iconic number 10 shirt at Real Madrid. 

That’s 27 long seasons without a homegrown talent deemed worthy of donning what many consider the most symbolic jersey in football.

We’re talking about a shirt worn by elite playmakers and game-changers. Think Luka Modrić, who held the number with grace and brilliance for over ten years. 

But before the Croatian maestro? It was Luis Enrique, a name that now stirs conflicting emotions among Madridistas.

Back in the mid-90s, Luis Enrique was trusted with the prestigious No. 10 jersey, playing 213 games, netting 18 goals, and winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. But despite these achievements, his name has largely been erased from Real Madrid folklore.

Why? Because his heart was never truly there.

Luis Enrique has openly admitted he never felt at home in Madrid’s dressing room. And his actions eventually reflected that. 

In 1996, he made the bold move to join FC Barcelona—Real Madrid’s fiercest rival—and instantly became a beloved figure at Camp Nou.

Over time, he didn’t just switch clubs—he switched allegiances. From white to blaugrana, from idolized to despised in Madrid.

His discomfort at the Bernabéu wasn’t a secret either. As Spain’s national team coach years later, his perceived bias against Real Madrid players fueled rumors and criticism from Spanish media.

No Spanish Heir to the Number 10

Since Luis Enrique’s departure, not a single Spanish player has been handed the number 10 shirt at Real Madrid. Foreign stars like Luís Figo, Robinho, Mesut Özil, James Rodríguez, and Luka Modrić have carried the legacy instead.

Now that Modrić has exited, the iconic shirt is once again up for grabs—but no Spanish name is in the mix. Arda Güler is still developing. Jude Bellingham wears number 5. Kylian Mbappé remains Florentino Pérez’s golden dream—but even his shirt number hasn’t been discussed yet.

Simply put, there is no Spanish contender for Madrid’s number 10—and the club doesn’t seem bothered by it.

A Stark Contrast With Barcelona

Meanwhile at Barça, the number 10 shirt remains a beacon of pride. 

From Lionel Messi to Ansu Fati and now Lamine Yamal, every recent wearer of the number has been a product of La Masia—Barça’s own youth academy.

In contrast, Madrid often sings praises of their La Fábrica, yet continues to sideline Spanish talents when it comes to central, symbolic roles.

The last Spaniard to wear Madrid’s number 10 ended up turning his back on the club and becoming a Barcelona icon. An irony that's hard for Madrid fans to digest.

A symbol that once held meaning now stands empty at the Bernabéu—forgotten by the club and impossible to fill for fans still haunted by the past.