Real Madrid Assigns Iconic No. 9 Shirt to Endrick Following Mbappé Number Shift

Real Madrid has officially assigned the iconic No. 9 shirt to 19-year-old Brazilian striker Endrick ahead of the new season, following Kylian Mbappé's switch to the No. 10 shirt after Luka Modrić's departure. Endrick, who joined from Palmeiras last summer and wore No. 16 in his debut season, scored seven goals despite limited playing time and injury setbacks. The decision ended speculation that Gonzalo García, a promising academy product who impressed during the FIFA Club World Cup and signed a new long-term contract, would inherit the No. 9. García has been given the No. 16 shirt, previously worn by Endrick, aligning with the club’s tradition of assigning significant squad numbers to key players. Endrick’s new number symbolizes a vote of confidence from manager Xabi Alonso and suggests the club’s commitment to his development rather than a loan move. This move places Endrick in the lineage of legendary players like Ronaldo, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Karim Benzema, who have previously worn the No. 9 shirt at Real Madrid.