New Real Madrid forward Endrick has received a significant endorsement of his potential as Brazil’s future attacking star, as he has been assigned the iconic number nine shirt for this summer’s Copa America.
Endrick, who won’t turn 18 until a week after the Copa America final, has only made four senior appearances for Brazil so far, none as a starter. Yet, he will wear the legendary number nine shirt, previously donned by icons such as Ronaldo and 1970 World Cup winner Tostão.
Gabriel Jesus, who wore the number nine at the last two Copa America tournaments and the 2018 World Cup, and Richarlison, who had it at the 2022 World Cup, have been left out of the squad.
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In his previous appearances, Endrick wore number 21 and became only the second player in Brazil’s history, after Pelé, to score in successive games before turning 18. He scored in March friendlies against England, netting the winner at Wembley, and Spain, marking his first of many expected goals at the Bernabéu.
At the club level, Endrick is already accustomed to wearing the number nine, having worn it for Palmeiras throughout the 2023 season and the first half of 2024.
Among Brazil’s other notable shirt numbers this summer, the number ten has been given to soon-to-be clubmate Rodrygo, while Vinicius Junior will wear seven, as he does at Real Madrid.
Endrick’s Real Madrid shirt number is not yet confirmed. He may eventually become the club’s long-term number nine, but that jersey is expected to initially go to Kylian Mbappe next season, while the Frenchman waits for Luka Modric to vacate number ten in 2025. The number 21 could be available if Brahim Diaz changes his shirt, and number 15 will be open as Federico Valverde switches to eight.