Real Madrid's new No.9! Talks begin over new contract for Gonzalo Garcia with young striker set to replace Kylian Mbappe and follow in Ronaldo's footsteps

Real Madrid are in advanced talks to extend the contract of academy striker Gonzalo, who is set to remain with the first team for the 2025-26 season and is being lined up to wear the club’s iconic No.9 shirt, as per senior journalist Fabrizio Romano. The 21-year-old impressed during the Club World Cup this summer and is now viewed as a long-term part of Xabi Alonso’s squad.

Madrid’s decision not to sign a new striker this summer reflects a clear shift: instead of investing in another big name, they’re betting on in-house talent. Garcia’s rise from Castilla to first-team prominence echoes past success stories from La Fabrica, and aligns with Madrid’s strategic focus on nurturing players who understand the club’s DNA. He appears set to step into the number left vacant by Kylian Mbappe, who recently switched to No. 10, and will see him follow in the footsteps of French forward Karim Benzema and Brazilian legend Ronaldo. Cristiano Ronaldo also had the No. 9 shirt for one season.

Garcia’s emergence has taken many by surprise as just months ago, he was a relatively unknown figure outside Madrid circles, with only a late Copa del Rey winner against Leganes to his name. But after scoring four goals and registering an assist during Madrid’s strong Club World Cup campaign, he has become a fan favourite and a tactical option for Alonso. With Endrick out injured and a loan move to Real Sociedad collapsing, Garcia has leapfrogged the Brazilian in the pecking order with his decision to stay and desire for the the No.9 jersey. 

Garcia has been at Real Madrid since 2014, joining the academy as a teenager. A Madrid native, his local roots have endeared him to fans, especially as he looks to break into a squad stacked with global superstars. Despite limited first-team experience, Madrid believe his profile, a classic centre-forward who can hold up play and finish in the box, offers a unique tactical weapon, similar to how Joselu was used in 2023-24.

With La Liga and the Champions League on the upcoming calendar, opportunities will arise for Gonzalo to prove himself in high-stakes matches. His development will be closely monitored, especially as Endrick possible return from injury around September or October and Mbappe takes centre stage. Whether the academy star becomes a regular starter or a clutch contributor off the bench, Los Balncos’ faith in his future is clear, and the symbolic gesture of giving him Ronaldo’s former shirt and stepping into the shoes of Mbappe, only heightens the expectations surrounding his rise.