Two young players in Real Madrid’s white uniform pose in a stadium, one of them celebrating with his arms raised, and in the background a large number 9 can be seen.
Gonzalo García and Endrick with the number 9 jersey | Camara Real Madrid Confidencial
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Mbappé frees up the '9' and it's already known who will be its heir between Gonzalo and Endrick

The club is considering which forward will inherit Mbappé's number, and the doubts are between Gonzalo and Endrick

by

Alex Moreno

Kylian Mbappé has a new number at Real Madrid. The Frenchman will wear the iconic "10" starting this season, inheriting the number that Luka Modric wore for years. His choice not only confirms his influence in the locker room, it also leaves the "9" number vacant, a number with history at Chamartín.

Now, the club must decide who will take over from the Frenchman. There are already two clear candidates to claim the squad's top-scoring number: Gonzalo García and Endrick.

Two different paths toward the "9"

Endrick, at just 19 years old, represents the club's media future. He is a phenomenon both on and off the field. He signed with New Balance, has starred in campaigns with Disney, EA Sports, and Red Bull, and on social media he has more than 15 million followers.

Making him the new "9" would be a clear bet on spectacle. However, the sporting reality could push the club to choose another path.

Gonzalo García has been earning everyone's respect with goals. He was Castilla's top scorer with 25 goals and has shined at the Club World Cup.

Endrick's absence and doubts about Rodrygo have given him minutes, and he has replied. Xabi Alonso trusts him, and his good performances could be rewarded immediately.

The "9" can't be left orphaned

Real Madrid already experienced a similar situation in 2023-24. After Karim Benzema left, the "9" number was left vacant. Joselu, who could have inherited it, declined that option.

The club waited for Mbappé, but the Frenchman didn't arrive in time, and the number remained without an owner throughout the season. Now they don't want to repeat that story.

Two players with the number 9 on their backs, one applauding and the other looking to the side, both wearing white uniforms in a stadium.
Endrick and Gonzalo with the number 9 on their backs | X

Madrid doesn't expect more attacking reinforcements this summer. With Vinícius set in the "7" and Mbappé already with the "10", the "9" looks set to stay at home.

The final decision will depend on what Xabi Alonso wants. The casting is clear: either he bets on the Brazilian phenomenon or on the homegrown boy who wants to make history with the club's heaviest number.

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