Striker Gonzalo García will wear the iconic number 9 shirt for Real Madrid this season, ahead of Brazilian wonderkid Endrick, according to a report by Onda Cero.
This development follows Kylian Mbappé’s decision to switch from No. 9 to No. 10 — a number vacated by Luka Modrić, who recently left Real Madrid to join AC Milan on a one-year deal.
Despite earlier speculation that the No. 10 jersey would be contested between Mbappé and young midfielder Arda Güler, the Real Madrid hierarchy ultimately awarded it to the French captain just days ago.
With the No. 9 shirt now free, attention turned to García and Endrick, who were seen as the leading candidates to inherit it.
While Endrick was initially tipped for the role, García’s standout performances during the FIFA Club World Cup appear to have swung the decision in his favour.
The choice highlights the growing trust in García’s development and readiness to contribute significantly at the Santiago Bernabéu this season.