Gonzalo García Named Real Madrid’s New Number 9: Why He’s Edged Out Endrick for the Role

In a decision that’s caught many by surprise but makes complete sense to those following closely, Real Madrid have officially handed their famous number 9 shirt to Gonzalo García, a homegrown talent who’s quietly risen through the ranks. While fans expected Brazilian wonderkid Endrick to step into that role, it’s the boy from Madrid who’s earned the trust of the coaching staff and sealed his place in the starting lineup.

This is more than just a shirt number. It’s a symbol of belief, faith, and the direction Madrid wants to go with their next generation of stars.

Gonzalo García: From Castilla Hero to Club World Cup 

García’s journey hasn’t been one splashed across headlines, until now. After spending a brief period away at Mallorca, the forward returned to Madrid and lit up Castilla with a phenomenal 2024–25 campaign. He bagged 25 goals, equalling Mariano Díaz’s single-season record for Real Madrid B. Even that didn’t fully prepare fans for what was to come.

His big break arrived during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, a tournament where he wasn’t even expected to feature much. With Mbappé out due to illness and Endrick sidelined with a hamstring issue, García was thrown into the deep end, and he swam.

He scored against Al-Hilal, set up a goal against Pachuca, and found the net again versus Salzburg, Juventus, and Dortmund. By the end of the tournament, he had clinched the Golden Boot, finishing as the top scorer. It wasn’t just the goals, it was the maturity, the link-up play, the composure under pressure. He looked like a player born to wear white.

Why García Fits the Number 9 Role Perfectly

When Mbappé took over the number 10 shirt following Luka Modrić’s departure, the number 9 was up for grabs.  Madrid didn’t take this decision lightly. Internally, there was a lot of thought about whether both García and Endrick could coexist and thrive. The club ultimately decided that having both players fighting for the same position might hold them back and that’s where García’s consistency gave him the edge.

Club officials, including new manager Xabi Alonso, were reportedly swayed by García’s strong Club World Cup showing and his day-to-day professionalism in training. He wasn’t just in form, he was ready. In today’s Madrid, where the emphasis is on performance over hype, it was refreshing to see a player from La Fábrica get rewarded purely on merit.

The Endrick Situation

Let’s be clear, Endrick is still a sensational talent. The Brazilian teenager joined Madrid in 2024 amidst massive expectations and didn’t disappoint. He scored on his La Liga debut, showed flashes of brilliance, and looked like a future star.

Timing matters. Unfortunately, an untimely injury and a lack of minutes in the business end of the season hindered his momentum. Madrid had even lined up a loan deal to Real Sociedad, a move that would’ve guaranteed him regular playing time, but both Endrick and the club eventually backed out.

Madrid wanted clarity and structure in their attack heading into the 2025–26 season. García was already playing, already scoring, and already winning. Endrick, despite his immense potential, simply wasn’t in the same rhythm. This isn’t the end of the road for Endrick at Real Madrid, not even close. But for now, he’ll have to fight his way back, possibly from a deeper role or even a temporary move elsewhere.

What This Means for Madrid’s Attack and the Season Ahead

For Gonzalo García, this is a dream realized. He’s gone from Castilla standout to starting striker at the biggest club in the world, and the number 9 on his back is proof that the club sees him as part of their immediate and long-term future.

He reportedly turned down interest from several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, to stay at Madrid and fight for his place. That loyalty, and his performances, have paid off.

For Endrick, this is a challenge. The club’s philosophy of not crowding one position means he’ll have to adapt, wait for his chance, or consider a short-term move where he can play regularly and keep growing. For Real Madrid, this is a moment of evolution. With Mbappé wearing 10, Vinícius still electric out wide, and young names like Mastantuono emerging, this team is being shaped to dominate for the next decade.

Final Thoughts

Handing the number 9 shirt to Gonzalo García is a message to the football world that at Real Madrid, performance trumps potential. While Endrick remains a massive part of the club’s future, García is the man for the now. He’s earned it, not with flashy headlines, but with goals, grit, and growth.

And if his Club World Cup form is anything to go by, Madrid fans might just be watching the rise of their next homegrown legend.