After witnessing Kylian Mbappé win the European Golden Shoe in his debut season with Real Madrid, fans at the Santiago Bernabéu are now turning their attention to a highly symbolic question: Who will inherit the legendary No. 9 jersey?
The shirt, once worn by club icons such as Ronaldo Nazario, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Karim Benzema, is now vacant. Mbappé, its most recent holder, is expected to switch to No. 10 for the upcoming season—a strategic move that signals his transition into a leadership role and central playmaker in the post-Ancelotti era, now under the guidance of new manager Xabi Alonso.
With the No. 9 shirt up for grabs, Real Madrid is carefully weighing its options between two exciting young talents: Endrick, the high-profile Brazilian signing, and Gonzalo Garcia, the promising product of the club’s famed youth academy, La Fábrica.
Endrick – The “New Ronaldo” Expected to Take the Mantle
Signed for over €60 million from Palmeiras, Endrick has been in the media spotlight in both Brazil and Europe for the past two years. With explosive pace, lethal finishing with both feet, and the aura of a future superstar, the 18-year-old has drawn comparisons to a modern blend of Ronaldo Nazario and Romário.
Real Madrid has long viewed Endrick as its striker of the future, and receiving the iconic No. 9 jersey would be a powerful declaration of his expected role and status at the club.
Gonzalo Garcia – The Homegrown Star on the Rise
But in football, nothing is ever set in stone, and Gonzalo Garcia’s recent rise proves just that. A product of Real Madrid’s own academy, Garcia made headlines with a standout performance at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, scoring three goals and playing a crucial role in Real’s title-winning campaign.
Less flashy than Endrick, Garcia brings composure, intelligence, and razor-sharp positioning. His playing style draws comparisons to a prime Karim Benzema—economical with his touches, effective in linking play, and smart with his off-ball movement to disrupt defenses.
A Tactical and Symbolic Dilemma for Xabi Alonso
Choosing who will wear the No. 9 isn’t just about image—it’s a strategic statement from the new coaching regime. Endrick represents global appeal and marketability, while Garcia embodies the club’s long-standing cantera philosophy of nurturing homegrown talent.
Manager Xabi Alonso, himself a product of Spain’s player development system, deeply values internal growth and balance. He must now decide between two competing narratives: building the next generation of Galácticos or placing faith in Real Madrid’s own rising gems.
Both Will Play Key Roles in the Upcoming Season
Regardless of who gets the No. 9 shirt, both Endrick and Garcia are expected to be key figures in Real Madrid’s plans for the 2025–26 season. With a packed fixture list, squad rotation will be essential, and the club must manage both players’ development and performances carefully.
Fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the official announcement—because at Real Madrid, the No. 9 jersey is never just a number. It’s a symbol of expectation, glory, and greatness.