Real Madrid have chosen the successor to the legendary number 9 shirt: Endrick or Gonzalo Garcia??

The debate surrounding Real Madrid’s iconic No. 9 jersey has once again captured the imagination of football fans worldwide. The shirt, worn by legends such as Ronaldo Nazario, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Karim Benzema, carries immense weight at the Santiago Bernabéu. And now, with Kylian Mbappé preparing to vacate the number in favor of the No. 10, speculation has intensified over who will step into the role of Real Madrid’s next great striker.

Mbappé, who stunned Europe by winning the Golden Shoe in his debut campaign, is set for a symbolic transition. Moving to the No. 10 represents his evolution into the heartbeat of the team, particularly in the post-Ancelotti era. Under new manager Xabi Alonso, Mbappé is expected to take on greater responsibility as a playmaker and leader, freeing up the legendary No. 9 for a new heir.

Two names stand out in the race: Endrick, the €60 million Brazilian prodigy, and Gonzalo Garcia, a La Fábrica product who has recently forced his way into the spotlight. Their candidacies reflect not just a battle for a number but also a clash of philosophies at Real Madrid—Galáctico investment versus homegrown pride.

Endrick, just 18 years old, has long been touted as the “new Ronaldo.” With blistering pace, explosive dribbling, and a finishing instinct beyond his years, he arrives at Real Madrid carrying enormous expectation. For many, giving him the No. 9 jersey would signal the club’s intent to build their future attack around the young Brazilian. His reputation in Brazil, where he was hailed as the next great superstar even before his teenage years ended, only adds to the sense of inevitability surrounding his role.

Yet, Real Madrid knows that symbolic decisions can also define eras. Karim Benzema, for example, grew into his legendary status not through flashy beginnings but through consistency, intelligence, and selflessness. This is where Gonzalo Garcia enters the conversation. A quieter name on the global stage, Garcia has nonetheless won the admiration of Madridistas with his brilliant rise through the youth ranks. His standout performance in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where he netted three goals en route to Madrid’s triumph, showcased his ability to thrive on the biggest stage.

Unlike Endrick, Garcia is not defined by raw explosiveness. Instead, his game resembles the cerebral artistry of Benzema. He thrives on finding space, linking play, and positioning himself in ways that make defenders uncomfortable. At just 20 years old, his development has been swift, and his ability to step into a pressure-filled role is proving hard to ignore.

The decision is not a simple one for Xabi Alonso. On the one hand, Endrick represents global attention, shirt sales, and the next Galáctico figurehead. On the other, Garcia embodies the club’s historic emphasis on cantera—producing talent that grows into greatness at the Bernabéu. Alonso, who himself came through Spain’s development system, must weigh the symbolic value of promoting a homegrown player against the undeniable magnetism of a Brazilian wonderkid.

Beyond symbolism, tactical factors are also in play. Alonso has hinted at a system where Mbappé operates in deeper areas, with fluid rotations in attack. This means both Endrick and Garcia will see significant minutes, regardless of who wears the No. 9. The choice of who dons the jersey, however, will make a statement about hierarchy and expectation in the squad.

Fans are already split. Some are clamoring for Endrick to be given the responsibility immediately, arguing that he was signed precisely to inherit the No. 9 mantle. Others, however, believe Garcia has earned the right through performance and loyalty, and that his presence reflects the spirit of Madrid’s cantera philosophy. For them, the shirt should not be given based on hype but on merit shown in the white jersey.

What remains certain is that both players will be central to Madrid’s 2025–26 campaign. With a grueling calendar that includes La Liga, the Champions League, and the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, squad rotation will be inevitable. Endrick’s explosiveness and flair could unlock stubborn defenses, while Garcia’s intelligence and poise may prove decisive in tighter, more tactical battles.

At Real Madrid, the No. 9 shirt has never been just a number—it is a statement of greatness. Whether it ends up on Endrick’s back or Garcia’s, the world will be watching to see who carries forward the legacy of Ronaldo, Cristiano, and Benzema. The decision is more than a managerial choice; it is a declaration of the future direction of the club