Real Madrid has made a decision few expected: Gonzalo García will wear the iconic No. 9 shirt, vacated by Kylian Mbappé, who has switched to the No. 10 to mark the beginning of his era at the club.

From Castilla to the Global Stage

At just 21 years old, Gonzalo has gone from Castilla’s top scorer to a standout performer in the biggest tournament of the year: the FIFA Club World Cup. Taking advantage of Mbappé and Endrick’s absences, he showcased leadership, presence, and goal-scoring ability — netting four goals in six matches and delivering performances that fully convinced Xabi Alonso.

The coach, searching for a traditional No. 9 profile, saw in the academy product the perfect fit. Gonzalo’s hold-up play, tactical awareness, and link-up ability with the attacking unit played a key role in the club’s decision to bet on him as a centerpiece of the new project.

What Does This Mean for Endrick?

Meanwhile, Endrick continues to struggle for consistency. A series of injuries has disrupted his integration. While he posted solid numbers under Ancelotti — seven goals in 843 minutes — he never truly established himself. At one point, a loan move to Real Sociedad was nearly finalized, but another injury setback changed those plans.

Now, with the No. 9 shirt assigned to another young star, the Brazilian faces an uphill battle. The competition for minutes is fierce with the likes of Vinicius, Rodrygo, Brahim, Mbappé, and now Gonzalo. While the season is long, it seems the internal hierarchy has shifted.

Why Is This a Symbolic Decision?

Giving the No. 9 to Gonzalo García goes beyond sporting merit — it’s a clear message: the immediate future of that role belongs to him. The academy graduate stepped up when the team needed him most, and now he stands as one of the key pieces in Xabi Alonso’s new Real Madrid.