Uncertainty lingers over Real Madrid starlet’s new shirt number amid talks of No. 9 | OneFootball

Over the past week, multiple sources have claimed that Real Madrid are set to hand Gonzalo Garcia the No. 9 shirt heading into the new season.

The 21-year-old starlet, who enjoyed his breakthrough at the FIFA Club World Cup, is all set to sign a new contract until 2030 with a first-team number, salary, and a €1bn release clause.

As part of his promotion to the senior setup, it has been suggested that Gonzalo will take over the No. 9 shirt, vacated by Kylian Mbappe, who is now Real Madrid’s new No. 10 after Luka Modric’s departure.

Gonzalo wears No. 16 against Leganes

However, according to journalist Rodra on ESPN, there is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding Gonzalo Garcia’s new first-team shirt number at Real Madrid.

That is because, during the training match that Los Blancos played today against Leganes, which they won 4-1, the young striker is understood to have worn the No. 16 shirt – which still officially belongs to Endrick.

Gonzalo has been tipped to become the new No. 9 (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

It must be noted that other players like Kylian Mbappe, Raul Asencio, Alvaro Carreras, and Trent Alexander-Arnold all wore their new kit numbers – #10, #17, #18, and #12, respectively.

However, Gonzalo, despite all the talk of him being handed the No. 9 shirt for the new season, was kitted out with #16, which was worn by Endrick during the 2024/25 campaign.

As such, there is still a lack of clarity regarding the shirt number for Gonzalo, although there may be a possibility that Real Madrid might announce his updated kit number along with his contract renewal.

Gonzalo started in the training match against Leganes today alongside Mbappe and Vinicius Jr., but was unable to score a goal.