Just in: Real Madrid teenage prodigy to be handed iconic No. 9 jersey | OneFootball

After a series of conflicting reports regarding who will succeed Kylian Mbappe as the new No. 9 at Real Madrid, Mario Cortegana of The Athletic has come through with the latest on the matter.

Ever since it was confirmed that Mbappe will take over the No. 10 shirt after Luka Modric’s departure, there has been constant speculations about who would fill the vacant #9 shirt.

Early reports suggested Endrick would be the one but over the past week or so, it was claimed that Real Madrid had decided to make Gonzalo Garcia their new No. 9 after his breakthrough at the FIFA Club World Cup.

It was suggested that along with a first-team contract with a salary bump, Gonzalo will also be given the iconic No. 9 jersey.

Endrick will wear No. 9

However, according to the aforementioned update, it will be Endrick who will don the No. 9 shirt at Real Madrid in the upcoming season.

The Brazilian wonderkid will join a list of iconic players, including Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Ronaldo Nazario to wear the No. 9 jersey at Real Madrid.

Real Madrid’s new No. 9. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Having officially arrived at the club last summer, Endrick took the No. 16 shirt. The youngster did not have a lot of minutes under Carlo Ancelotti, but made a good impression more often than not, especially in the Copa del Rey.

There had been speculations of a potential summer departure for Endrick, especially following Gonzalo’s eruption at the Club World Cup.

However, the 19-year-old striker never entertained the possibility of an exit, even on loan, and will now inherit the No. 9 shirt at the club.

As for Gonzalo, it appears likely that he will take the No. 16 shirt that Endrick would vacate, having worn that number in today’s training match against Leganes.