Report: $50M Real Madrid star reacts angrily to club’s decision on Mbappe’s No. 9 successor
As the start of the 2025-26 season draws closer, Real Madrid are putting the final touches on their roster. This process includes not only determining player arrivals and departures but also assigning new jersey numbers for the upcoming campaign. With the No. 9 shirt worn by Kylian Mbappe now up for grabs, a young star reportedly isn’t happy with the club’s decision on who will inherit it.
This week, reports emerged that Real Madrid have decided to keep Gonzalo Garcia for the upcoming season, following his outstanding performances during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. The Spanish forward’s continued presence in the squad will likely result in him being handed the No. 9 shirt.
Although the decision has yet to be officially confirmed, reports suggest it is all but finalized—and not everyone at the club is thrilled. “I was told that Endrick’s face in the locker room wasn’t exactly a happy one. The truth is, to make one guy happy, you end up upsetting another,” revealed journalist Alberto Pereiro on Radio Marca.
For weeks, speculation has pointed toward one of the two young center forwards as the heir to Mbappe’s No. 9. Endrick boasts a higher profile, having joined the club last year in a multi-million-dollar transfer and already racking up 37 appearances with Los Blancos.
Gonzalo, on the other hand, has far less experience with Real Madrid. He was scarcely used under Carlo Ancelotti, but new coach Xabi Alonso gave him an opportunity during the Club World Cup, and he made the most of it with a standout performance—making himself a legitimate option for the squad.
Real Madrid paid a fortune for Endrick
Having broken out with Palmeiras at just 16 years old, Endrick drew attention across the soccer world with his talent and physical prowess. He earned a spot on the Brazilian national team while still a teenager, which led to interest from Real Madrid. The club paid €45 million (over $52 million), plus another €25 million in potential add-ons, to secure his signature.
After turning 18, the forward joined the squad at the start of the 2024-25 season. However, his debut year in Spain fell short of expectations. Endrick scored 7 goals and recorded one assist in his 37 appearances.
Real Madrid’s reported plans for Endrick
Endrick’s underwhelming first season in Spain, coupled with Gonzalo Garcia’s emergence as a viable option at center forward, has fueled speculation about the Brazilian’s immediate future. “Madrid have been pushing Endrick to go elsewhere, but he keeps turning everything down,” said Pereiro.
According to reports, Real Sociedad was among the most likely destinations, but negotiations reportedly fell through in part due to an injury the forward suffered. As a result, Endrick remains on Real Madrid’s roster heading into the new season—though that could still change. “I think it’s a conversation we’re going to have to revisit in January,” added the Radio Marca journalist.