Real Madrid hand the iconic No. 9 shirt to Gonzalo Garcia after his Club World Cup heroics, leaving Endrick out. A bold call by Xabi Alonso sparks debate.
Gonzalo Garcia Wears No. 9 at Real Madrid – Endrick LEFT Out?
Shortest90
- August 6, 2025
The No. 9 shirt at Real Madrid isn’t just a number—it’s a legacy. From Alfredo Di Stéfano to Ronaldo Nazário to Karim Benzema, it’s the number worn by legends. And now, in a surprising turn of events, it’s not Brazil’s golden boy Endrick who’s getting it. Instead, it’s the young Spanish forward Gonzalo Garcia who has been handed the iconic jersey.
Yes, you read that right—Gonzalo Garcia is the new No. 9 of Real Madrid.
The Rise of Gonzalo Garcia
This isn’t coming out of nowhere. Garcia made waves at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, scoring crucial goals and showing nerves of steel on the biggest stage. His name might not have dominated headlines like Endrick’s, but his performances did all the talking. Quick feet, instinctive finishing, and a work rate that screams Madridismo—this kid didn’t just step up, he owned the moment.
And it seems like Xabi Alonso was watching closely.
The new Real Madrid manager has never been one to follow the crowd. He’s all about rewarding players who earn it, not those handed it by hype. And Garcia? He earned it. Every bit of it.
No. 9 for Endrick? Not Yet.
For Endrick, this must feel like a gut-punch. The Brazilian wonderkid, hailed as the next big thing, arrived in Madrid with the expectation of taking over the No. 9 role—both symbolically and literally. Fans were already imagining him picking up where Benzema left off.
But now? He starts off without a defined shirt number. And that’s not just a jersey—it’s a message.
It doesn’t mean the club has lost faith in Endrick. Not at all. But it does show that Real Madrid won’t hand things out for free, not even to the most hyped teenager in the world. At Madrid, you don’t inherit greatness. You earn it.
inherit greatness. You earn it.
A Bold Statement by Xabi Alonso
Let’s not sugarcoat it: this is a massive statement from Xabi Alonso.
Giving the No. 9 to Garcia over Endrick is bold. It tells the dressing room, the fans, and the world that Xabi values merit over marketing. He’s here to build a team, not a social media empire.
The decision could light a fire under Endrick. And let’s be real—he might need it. Madrid is a warzone for forwards. There’s no room for comfort. If this snub sharpens Endrick’s hunger, it could be the making of him.
What's Next?
All eyes will now be on how both players respond:
Gonzalo Garcia: Can he handle the pressure of the No. 9? Can he become Madrid’s next reliable frontman?
Endrick: Will this be the spark that unleashes his full potential? Will he fight for the shirt the hard way?
One thing is clear: the battle for Real Madrid’s front line has begun. And it’s going to be brutal.
Madrid fans, buckle up—this isn’t just about numbers on a shirt. It’s about who truly deserves to wear the white jersey with pride.
Latest
