Real Madrid’s Show of Faith: Giving 19-Year-Old Forward the Number Nine Jersey
The number nine Real Madrid jersey has historic importance; players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe have all worn the iconic jersey. Now, the jersey has been passed down to Brazilian player Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa . On August 1st, Real Madrid made the news official by posting the uniform with Endrick's name. With this post, Real Madrid has dispelled any rumors of him moving to another team.
Many famous Real Madrid players have worn the number nine uniform. The jersey has primarily been worn by strikers such as Alfredo Di Stefano, Karim Benzema, and Hugo Sanchez. Players known for their ability to score many goals have created a significant impact on the jersey. With Endrick receiving the jersey, he joins the list of elite players who will go down in history.
Before the jersey was given to Endrick, it belonged to Kylian Mbappe. Mbappe received the jersey when he first joined Real Madrid in 2024. However, he was truly interested in the No. 10 jersey as it held sentimental value. In his autobiographical comic book released in 2021, Mbappe unboxes a Real Madrid shirt for Christmas. Mbappe bided his time, and in July, he was able to get the No. 10 jersey thanks to Luka Modrić's departure from Real Madrid. Leaving the number nine jersey available for Endrick.
It may seem like Endrick got the jersey thanks to luck, but that is not the case. Another contender for the jersey was Gonzalo García. Earlier this summer, reports were stating that the number nine jersey would go to García. Thanks to his stellar performance at the Club World Cup. He had scored four goals out of six appearances during the tournament. The reason for confusion is that Endrick suffered from a hamstring injury in May, which led to him being sidelined. He was unable to participate in the Club World Cup, missing two months of play. Unfortunately, in July, there was a relapse, and he was sidelined once again. Real Madrid head coach, Xabi Alonso, must have seen his potential and has awarded him the jersey as a show of faith.
