Real Madrid's Next No. 9: Three Stars Ready to Claim the Iconic Jersey in 2025–26
Three emerging talents are competing for Real Madrid's iconic No. 9 jersey, recently vacated by Kylian Mbappé.
The number nine jersey at Real Madrid carries nearly a century of prestigious history. Club legends such as Alfredo Di Stéfano and Raymond Kopa brought glory to the Spanish powerhouse while wearing this number, establishing a tradition that future stars like Karim Benzema would continue as some of the club's most prolific scorers.
Mbappé was the latest player to receive the privilege of donning this legendary shirt for Los Blancos, delivering what many consider the finest debut campaign in the club's history. The French superstar has now transitioned to Real Madrid's new No. 10, making the No. 9 jersey available for the 2025–26 season.
Although no established striker is immediately positioned to claim the number, three rising prospects are being considered for Real Madrid's number nine jersey.
3. Franco Mastantuono
3. Franco Mastantuono
Uncertainty exists regarding Franco Mastantuono's jersey number at Real Madrid. The club is delaying his official presentation in the Spanish capital until he reaches legal age, currently keeping him absent from Los Blancos' registered squad.
Mastantuono previously wore 30 at River Plate, but must abandon that number to meet La Liga regulations; senior team players in Spain's premier division cannot wear numbers exceeding 25, which represents the maximum squad capacity for the campaign.
The young talent has also sported 10, 11 and 20 for Argentina's national squad, but these numbers are already assigned at Real Madrid. Mastantuono will therefore require a different number, with nine being a potential option.
The primary obstacle for the 17-year-old concerns his playing position; as a winger and attacking midfielder, Mastantuono doesn't match the conventional profile of players who receive the No. 9 at the world's most prestigious club.
2. Endrick
Several months earlier, Endrick appeared to be the clear frontrunner for the No. 9 jersey. The teenager was not only the sole natural striker in the senior squad, but had also worn this number for both Palmeiras and Brazil's national team.
A talent with Endrick's promising future seemed destined to move beyond wearing 16 for an extended period... or so everyone believed. One year later, the 18-year-old has slipped in Real Madrid's hierarchy, to the extent that the club is allegedly contemplating a loan move for him in 2025–26.
Given Endrick's uncertain position in Xabi Alonso's plans, it's difficult to imagine the club making such a significant gesture as awarding him a jersey worn by numerous Real Madrid icons. Nevertheless, it remains possible, and could demonstrate renewed confidence in the Brazilian after a disappointing inaugural season.
1. Gonzalo Garcia
Prior to this summer, Gonzalo García had accumulated just six senior team appearances. Despite netting 25 goals in 36 matches for Real Madrid Castilla, the Spanish forward seldom received meaningful chances to enter Carlo Ancelotti's starting eleven, even when Los Blancos urgently needed scoring options from the substitutes' bench.
Subsequently, Alonso assumed control and provided García with the chance to demonstrate his abilities. The striker featured in every Real Madrid match during the FIFA Club World Cup, finding the net four times across six contests.
García's displays in the United States virtually guaranteed his position as Mbappé's understudy for the upcoming season, and it appears logical that he would also take over the Frenchman's jersey.
Furthermore, García requires a senior squad number after wearing 30 during his limited call-ups last season. The 21-year-old wears No. 7 for Real Madrid Castilla, but that jersey naturally belongs to Vinícius Júnior.
Fortunately, the No. 9 awaits his arrival.