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MADRID, Spain — The debate over one of the most iconic shirts in world football has been settled. In a decision that has sent ripples through the football world, Real Madrid has officially confirmed that Brazilian wonderkid Endrick will wear the legendary number 9 jersey for the upcoming 2025-2026 season. The announcement puts an end to weeks of intense speculation that saw academy star Gonzalo García as a frontrunner for the coveted number.
The number 9 jersey was left vacant after Kylian Mbappé, who wore it in his debut season, switched to the number 10 following Luka Modrić’s departure. This created a highly anticipated internal battle for the shirt, which has been graced by legends such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Hugo Sánchez, and Alfredo Di Stéfano.
The Rise of Gonzalo García
For many, the logical choice was Gonzalo García. The young Spanish forward has been a standout player for the club’s Castilla side and was promoted to the first team after a series of impressive performances, including during the Club World Cup. His goal-scoring ability and natural fit as a center-forward led many commentators and fans to believe he was the perfect candidate to fill the void. The fact that he was also reportedly in talks for a new contract seemed to further solidify his claim to the prestigious number.
A Statement of Faith in Endrick
However, Real Madrid’s decision to award the number to Endrick is a powerful statement of faith and a clear indicator of the club’s long-term vision. The 19-year-old Brazilian, who is still recovering from an injury, has immense pressure on his shoulders. By giving him the number 9, the club is signaling that despite his youth and the need for adaptation, he is seen as the future of the attack and a central figure in their immediate plans. It is a vote of confidence that bypasses conventional seniority and places a huge amount of trust in a player whose full potential is yet to be realized on the European stage.
The decision was not a slight to Gonzalo García, whose future at the club also looks bright. The club has reportedly sealed his promotion to the first team with a new five-year contract and has assigned him the number 16 jersey. This confirms that Real Madrid is committed to developing both young forwards, though they have made it clear which player will carry the greater weight of expectation on his back.
In a sport where jersey numbers hold immense significance and pressure, Real Madrid’s choice for the number 9 is not just a roster update. It’s a bold declaration about the future of their club and a testament to their unwavering belief in the potential of their new Brazilian star.
