Explained: Why Real Madrid Are Delaying Giving Endrick the Iconic No. 9 Shirt

Real Madrid and the No. 9 Dilemma: What’s Holding Up Endrick’s Number Switch?

It’s not every day a player walks into Real Madrid with the hype and weight of expectation that Endrick did. Dubbed the future of Brazilian football and compared to greats before even making his debut, the 19-year-old striker arrived at the Bernabéu with high hopes. But as the 2025-26 season nears, there’s a curious subplot brewing in the Spanish capital: Why hasn’t Endrick been handed the iconic No. 9 shirt?

As the season kicks off and shirt numbers become public, Endrick’s future is being subtly hinted at by Real Madrid’s delay in assigning him the No. 9 jersey—one steeped in club history and expectations. The number previously belonged to Kylian Mbappé, who has since taken Luka Modric’s legendary No. 10. Now, Real Madrid has to decide: Will Endrick inherit the No. 9, or will it go to their other teenage sensation Franco Mastantuono?

What’s Actually Happening with Endrick and the No. 9 Shirt?

According to a report by Spanish outlet AS, Madrid is racing against the clock. Mastantuono, who was officially signed from River Plate earlier this summer, is set to be unveiled at the Santiago Bernabéu on August 14 or 15. Under La Liga regulations and the club’s own number assignment traditions, he must have a squad number by then. That means a decision on the No. 9 shirt needs to be made before his presentation.

Currently, Endrick wears the No. 16. It’s a functional number for a young prospect, but far from the iconic image of a Galáctico striker. And while most of the shirt numbers from 1 to 24 are already assigned, the No. 9 is now available.

Still, Real Madrid are hesitating—raising eyebrows across the fanbase.

Getafe CF v Real Madrid CF – La Liga EA Sports

The Bigger Picture: Endrick’s Position at Madrid

Though the shirt debate may seem cosmetic, it’s symbolic of something larger. Endrick’s debut season in Europe didn’t quite light the world on fire. He made just three starts in La Liga, netting seven goals across all competitions. That’s not disastrous for a teenager in a foreign league, but it fell short of expectations.

Now, with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Endrick and his advisors are eager to ensure he gets more minutes. There have even been whispers—nothing concrete, but enough to unsettle fans—that he could seek a loan or even a short-term move to gain experience.

Granting Endrick the No. 9 shirt would serve as a clear message: Madrid believe in him. They’re ready to make him a central part of their next generation. But if the shirt goes to Mastantuono instead, it may reflect doubts within the coaching staff about Endrick’s readiness to lead the line this season.

Real Madrid’s Numbering Tradition Adds Pressure

Real Madrid is one of the few clubs in Spain that adhere strictly to La Liga’s shirt number rules, which require numbers 1 to 24 to be assigned before moving into the 25+ range. That means leaving No. 9 vacant this season is not an option. Someone has to take it.

And when that shirt has been worn by legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Hugo Sánchez, and more recently, Karim Benzema, it comes with built-in expectation.

Kylian Mbappé’s decision to swap No. 9 for No. 10 opened the door for someone new to take the spotlight. The logical choice is Endrick—but logic and elite football don’t always go hand in hand.

Did You Know?

Endrick is already Brazil’s youngest debutant since Pelé. He made his senior international bow at 16 and arrived at Real Madrid with a reputation as one of the brightest attacking prospects in world football.

The fee Madrid paid Palmeiras—an initial €35 million with add-ons taking the deal north of €60 million—reflected that excitement. His playing style, a mix of pace, strength, and clinical finishing, has drawn comparisons to a young Ronaldo Nazário.

But raw talent alone won’t secure him the No. 9 shirt.

Club Dynamics: Who Else Is in the Picture?

Real Madrid’s forward line is stacked with talent and uncertainty. Gonzalo Garcia has impressed during pre-season. Rodrygo, long tipped to be the next great Brazilian forward, has yet to fully convince under Ancelotti and has suitors in the Premier League. Meanwhile, new boy Mastantuono, who many inside the club rate as a future Ballon d’Or contender, is eager to make his mark.

Add to that the shadow of Mbappé and the possibility of further attacking reinforcements, and the picture gets complicated.

What If Endrick Gets the No. 9?

If the club announces that Endrick will don the No. 9 shirt, it would send a loud and clear signal: this is the player we’re backing. It would mark a commitment from both sides—Endrick to the club, and Real Madrid to his development.

But with commitment comes expectation. The No. 9 shirt isn’t just a squad number; it’s a promise to fans, to sponsors, to media. If Endrick takes it, he’ll need to step up.

What If He Doesn’t?

If Mastantuono is handed the No. 9 instead, it’s not necessarily the end of Endrick’s time in Madrid, but it would be a statement in itself. It may suggest that Real Madrid sees Mastantuono as the more immediate impact player—or that they want to shield Endrick from pressure while he continues his adaptation.

However, it could also open the door for transfer speculation, especially if Endrick’s minutes are limited early in the season.

What Comes Next?

Endrick Real Madrid 2024-25

With just two weeks until the Mastantuono presentation, Madrid must act quickly. Regardless of who takes the No. 9 shirt, the decision will have far-reaching consequences.

For Endrick, it’s about more than a number. It’s about identity, ambition, and trust. If he’s handed the shirt, it will be up to him to justify it—on the pitch, week in and week out. If not, he’ll need to keep his head down, work harder, and wait for his moment.

In a club where shirt numbers are worn like armor, the No. 9 is not given lightly. Whether it rests on Endrick’s back this season will tell us everything we need to know about Real Madrid’s plans for the Brazilian wonderkid.

Match Rating: N/A – Pre-season status remains, but this shirt number saga is already one of the most talked-about stories in Madrid. Stay tuned.