Real Madrid posta foto de camisa 9 de Endrick – Foto: Real Madrid
In a bold move, Real Madrid announced on August 8, 2025, the 19-year-old Brazilian striker Endrick as the club’s new number 9, an iconic number carrying the weight of legends like Ronaldo Fenômeno, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Karim Benzema. The decision, revealed in Madrid, reflects the trust of the board and coach Xabi Alonso in the potential of the former Palmeiras player, despite a 2024/2025 season marked by injuries and limited playing time. Endrick, who suffered a right hamstring injury in May, returns in September with the mission to secure a spot in the competitive Real Madrid squad, outshine young talents like Gonzalo García, and reclaim a place in the Brazilian National Team for the 2026 World Cup. Choosing the number 9 signals Real Madrid’s bet on the Brazilian as a key piece for the future, but it also imposes significant challenges for him to prove his value at one of the world’s biggest clubs.
The announcement of Endrick as the number 9 came after months of speculation about his role at the club. The Spanish press had even suggested a potential loan, but the club’s decision reinforces their faith in his talent. The young player, who scored 8 goals in 845 minutes last season, now faces the pressure to honor the tradition of the number and establish himself as a starter.
- Historical weight: The number 9 was worn by icons who defined eras at Real Madrid.
- Internal competition: Gonzalo García, 21, shone in the Club World Cup and is a threat.
- Physical recovery: Endrick needs to overcome his recent injury to maintain his pace.
The 2025/2026 season will be decisive for the striker, who seeks to solidify his path in Europe and return to the Brazilian National Team.
Weight of the number 9 and the legacy to uphold
The number 9 at Real Madrid is not just a number but a symbol of excellence and responsibility. By inheriting the jersey, Endrick joins an elite group of strikers who shaped generations. Ronaldo Fenômeno, with his explosiveness and goal-scoring instinct, and Benzema, with his tactical intelligence, elevated the number to an almost mythical status. The young Brazilian, who stood out at Palmeiras with 11 goals in the 2023 Brasileirão, now must prove he can carry this legacy.
Last season, Endrick had moments of brilliance, especially in the Copa del Rey, where he scored five of his eight goals. However, with only 845 minutes played, equivalent to less than 10 full matches, his impact was limited. The club’s choice to give him the number 9, previously worn by Kylian Mbappé, shows confidence but also raises expectations for immediate results.
- Goal-scoring record: Endrick scored 6 goals in 8 games in the final stretch of the 2023 Brasileirão.
- European performance: His 8 goals in 2024/2025 show potential but lack consistency.
- Immediate pressure: Fans expect him to lead the attack alongside Vinícius Jr.
The challenge is clear: turn potential into consistency to justify the club’s investment.
Internal competition heightens squad rivalry
The rise of Gonzalo García, a 21-year-old product of Real Madrid’s youth academy, has made the fight for a starting spot even tougher. García seized Endrick’s absence in the June 2025 Club World Cup to shine, scoring four goals and earning the Golden Boot. Initially considered for a loan, the Spaniard gained prominence and took the number 16, but remains a shadow to the Brazilian.
Endrick, acquired in a €271.9 million transfer, must prove in training and matches that he deserves Xabi Alonso’s preference. Last season showed he hasn’t fully earned the trust of former coach Carlo Ancelotti, starting only eight of 37 games.
The new coach, Xabi Alonso, known for his modern tactical approach, will be key in defining Endrick’s role in the squad. The Brazilian’s late debut, expected in September, may hinder his initial adaptation to the coach’s playing style.
9️⃣ @Endrick pic.twitter.com/lKKKk2cjZ2
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) August 8, 2025
Physical recovery as a priority
The right hamstring injury suffered in May 2025 was a significant setback for Endrick. The issue sidelined him for four months, keeping him out of LaLiga’s final stretch, the Club World Cup, and recent Brazilian National Team call-ups. Recovery will require extra care, especially for a player whose physical explosiveness is a key strength.
Real Madrid’s medical staff, renowned for its excellence, is closely monitoring the striker. Endrick’s strength and speed, traits that made him stand out at Palmeiras, depend on impeccable physical preparation. The club has invested in a tailored rehabilitation plan to ensure his return in top form.
- Recovery timeline: The May injury kept him out for four months.
- Preventive measures: Endrick follows an intensive muscle-strengthening program.
- Performance impact: Physical fitness will be crucial for gaining minutes.
Brazilian National Team and the 2026 World Cup
Endrick has already shown potential with Brazil, scoring notable goals against England, Spain, and Mexico in 2024. However, his Copa América participation was limited, with few minutes played, and he was left out of the November 2024 call-ups. The number 9 jersey for Brazil, which he wore in friendlies, is another weight he carries, with the 2026 World Cup as a clear goal.
With his return set for September, Endrick will have four FIFA dates (October, November, March, and June) to impress coach Dorival Júnior. The competition in Brazil’s attack, with names like Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo, demands that the young player shines at Real Madrid to secure a spot in the squad for the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
- Goals for Brazil: Three goals in 2024 friendlies raised expectations.
- Recent absence: He was not called up for the latest qualifiers.
- 2026 World Cup: Endrick needs consistency to be a starter for Brazil.
Earning a spot under Xabi Alonso
The arrival of Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid’s coach marks a new chapter for Endrick. The Spaniard, who took over in 2025, is known for developing young talents but also for his tactical demands. Endrick, missing the season’s start, begins at a disadvantage compared to teammates already adapted to Alonso’s system.
The Brazilian will need to show the same intensity in training that made him a standout at Palmeiras. The 2025/2026 season will be crucial for him to gain the new coach’s trust and become a vital part of the attack.
Ambition for European titles
Real Madrid, despite minor successes like the European Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup in 2024/2025, fell short of expectations last season, exiting the Champions League in the quarter-finals and losing ground to Barcelona in LaLiga. Endrick, who stayed on the bench in key games, now has a chance to contribute to the club’s resurgence.
With signings like Alexander-Arnold and Huijsen, Real Madrid is betting on a revamped squad to dominate Europe again. For Endrick, winning titles like LaLiga or the Champions League is essential to cement his place and justify the club’s investment.
- Minor titles: Endrick won the Super Cup and Intercontinental but didn’t play.
- Bigger goals: LaLiga and Champions League are Real Madrid’s top priorities.
- External competition: Barcelona remains the main rival in Spain.
The 2025/2026 season will be a trial by fire for Endrick. With the number 9 on his back, the young Brazilian has the chance to etch his name in Real Madrid’s history, but he must overcome injuries, competition, and the pressure of a club that demands excellence.
