Real Madrid: Gonzalo Garcia to Wear No. 9 Ahead of Endrick for 2025/26 Season

In a surprising twist at the Santiago Bernabéu, striker Gonzalo Garcia has been handed Real Madrid’s iconic No. 9 shirt ahead of highly-anticipated Brazilian youngster Endrick, according to Onda Cero.

This development follows Kylian Mbappé’s decision to switch to the No. 10 shirt, which became available after Luka Modrić’s move to AC Milan. Despite initial speculation that the coveted number might go to Turkish starlet Arda Güler, Mbappé was officially confirmed as Real Madrid’s new No. 10 earlier this week.

👕 Why Garcia Over Endrick?

Although Endrick was widely expected to inherit the legendary No. 9 shirt, Gonzalo Garcia’s breakout performances, particularly during the FIFA Club World Cup, seem to have tilted the decision in his favour. The club’s hierarchy reportedly sees Garcia as ready for a more immediate and prominent first-team role.

Meanwhile, Endrick, still just 18, is viewed as a long-term project, and could be eased into the squad with less pressure in his debut European season.

⚽ Opinion – Symbolism or Strategy?

While shirt numbers may appear symbolic, they often reflect a club’s internal hierarchy and developmental priorities. Giving Garcia the No. 9 could suggest that Carlo Ancelotti and his coaching team trust the Spaniard to lead the line sooner than expected — while Endrick will likely be nurtured gradually, protected from excessive expectation in his first La Liga season.

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