Endrick Clears Path for Gonzalo García to Wear Real Madrid’s No. 9 Shirt
Brazilian teenager keeps No. 16 as club backs La Fábrica talent to lead attack
Real Madrid have officially handed the iconic No. 9 jersey vacated by Kylian Mbappé to rising star Gonzalo García, with Endrick playing a decisive role in the selection process, according to Marca.
Sources close to the club revealed that Endrick, 18, made no request to change shirt numbers and has chosen to continue wearing No. 16. This decision simplified the internal debate at Valdebebas, allowing the club to comfortably assign the historic number to García, who has impressed in recent outings.
Endrick’s Setback Opens Door for García
Endrick arrived in Madrid this summer with high expectations after his €60 million transfer from Palmeiras. While the Brazilian made an impact in the Copa del Rey last season—finishing as Real Madrid’s top scorer with five goals—his integration into the senior team has been complicated by injury and fierce competition.
A muscle injury late last season sidelined Endrick during crucial matches, including the Club World Cup, where García seized the spotlight with standout performances. The 19-year-old Spaniard has since earned the trust of Xabi Alonso’s coaching staff, further limiting Endrick’s playing time.
From Rising Star to Transfer Speculation
Despite being considered one of Brazil’s most promising young strikers and a potential starter at the 2026 World Cup, Endrick’s role at Real Madrid remains uncertain. The club’s technical team now views García as a key piece in the attacking line, creating a direct positional challenge for the former Palmeiras prodigy.
Still, Endrick’s market value and talent continue to attract suitors across Europe. Arsenal, RB Leipzig, and Olympique de Marseille are among the 10+ clubs reportedly monitoring his situation.
Player Focused on Staying at the Bernabéu
For now, Endrick is focused on adapting and competing for a place in Madrid’s first team. Despite interest from other clubs, the forward has no intention of leaving the Spanish capital and is determined to overcome his current setbacks.
With the full season ahead and a strong desire to succeed at Real Madrid, Endrick remains a player to watch closely on and off the pitch.
