Report: Real Madrid make key decision on young star who could inherit Kylian Mbappe’s No. 9 jersey
As the 2025–26 season approaches, Real Madrid are making key decisions about how to shape their roster. One of those involves a young rising star who may inherit the No. 9 shirt previously worn by Kylian Mbappe.
“Gonzalo is staying at Madrid… the door is closed on a possible loan,” reported Diario Marca on Tuesday. “Gonzalo Garcia is now officially a first-team player and is about to sign a new contract.”
This news is significant because it confirms Gonzalo will stay with Los Blancos for the upcoming season, apparently ruling out a loan move—despite reported interest from other La Liga clubs such as Getafe.
The young striker had limited involvement with Real Madrid last year in La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and Copa del Rey under Carlo Ancelotti. However, the arrival of Xabi Alonso this summer completely changed his outlook. “The new coach’s confidence was the key to Gonzalo earning a place in Real Madrid’s first team, as he showed during the Club World Cup,” Marca added.
The tournament that changed everything for Gonzalo
Gonzalo delivered a standout performance in the FIFA Club World Cup held in the United States this summer, finishing as the top scorer for Real Madrid and the entire tournament. He scored against Al-Hilal and Red Bull Salzburg in the opening round, against Juventus in the round of 16, and again in the quarterfinals versus Borussia Dortmund.
With those four goals, Garcia tied with the tournament’s top scorers—Angel Di Maria, Marcos Leonardo, and Serhou Guirassy. However, his assist to Arda Guler in the group stage match against Pachuca gave him the edge, earning Gonzalo the Golden Boot award. He was also named to the Club World Cup best XI.
Gonzalo could take Real Madrid’s No. 9 jersey
At the start of every season, clubs often make changes to squad numbers based on new arrivals, departures, and evolving player roles. But this summer has been particularly active for Real Madrid in that department. Luka Modric’s move to AC Milan vacated the iconic No. 10, triggering a domino effect that could also impact Gonzalo.
Kylian Mbappe will take over the No. 10 shirt at Real Madrid, leaving behind the No. 9 he wore during his first season in Spain. That legendary number—once worn by icons like Alfredo Di Stefano, Ronaldo Nazario, and Cristiano Ronaldo—is now up for grabs, and several young talents are being considered to inherit it.
At one point, there was speculation that Franco Mastantuono might wear the No. 9, but according to Diario AS, the No. 16 appears more likely for the Argentine winger. That leaves Gonzalo and Endrick as the front-runners, with reports from Defensa Central stating that Garcia is expected to win that battle.