- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
Brazilian teenager Endrick has been confirmed as Real Madrid’s new No.9, winning the shirt ahead of homegrown forward Gonzalo Garcia. The decision ends weeks of speculation over who would inherit the iconic number after Kylian Mbappe moved to the No.10 shirt following Luka Modric’s departure. Garcia, 21, impressed during the Club World Cup and was widely tipped as a strong contender, but manager Xabi Alonso ultimately chose Endrick. Reports suggest the decision marks a major vote of confidence in the young Brazilian, who was initially expected to spend more time developing before becoming a regular starter. At the start of the transfer window, Madrid had considered loaning him out, with Mbappe and Garcia set to lead the attack for the 2025–26 season. Endrick’s promotion to the No.9 role now signals that Alonso plans to give him a much more prominent place in the team’s plans. The No.9 shirt is steeped in history at Madrid, having been worn by legendary strikers including Alfredo Di Stefano, Hugo Sanchez, Ronaldo Nazario, and Karim Benzema. By awarding it to Endrick, the club has made a clear statement: they believe he is ready to contribute at the highest level now, not just in the future.
See also: Eddie Howe: Alexander Isak Out of Newcastle Squad Amid Liverpool Links
The choice of Endrick over Garcia carries symbolic and tactical significance for Real Madrid’s upcoming season. Historically, the No.9 represents the team’s main attacking force, and wearing it brings both prestige and pressure. This move indicates that Alonso sees Endrick as capable of leading the line, even if he is still a teenager adapting to La Liga’s demands. According to The Athletic, the official presentation of Endrick as the new No.9 will take place before Madrid’s La Liga opener next weekend. The decision comes as the club aims to bounce back from a disappointing season in which they failed to win any major trophies. Alonso, in his first full season as manager, has been tasked with restoring Madrid’s dominance in Spain and Europe. For Endrick, the opportunity could be career-defining. If he can handle the pressure and deliver consistent performances, this decision may be remembered as a pivotal moment in Madrid’s rebuild. For Garcia, missing out on the shirt does not necessarily mean reduced involvement, but it does signal that he may play more of a supporting role in the attack. Madrid fans will now be watching closely to see if Endrick can live up to the weight of one of football’s most famous numbers.
Comments
Post a Comment