Mbappé will be officially presented on Tuesday, July 16th at the Santiago Bernabéu, and the club has already announced that he will wear the number 9 jersey this season. Who are the other players who have worn this number before him?
Last season, no player wore the number 9 jersey, an exception in the club’s history that will be corrected with the arrival of the Frenchman. Throughout this century, numerous stars such as Ronaldo Nazario and Karim Benzema have donned the number 9. Let’s take a look at all those who have inherited this number in the current century.
Fernando Morientes
The Spanish striker spent eight seasons in the first team in two spells. His goals became a consistent feature during his time at Real Madrid, leading him to wear the number 9. Additionally, he won numerous titles with Real Madrid, including several league championships and three Champions League titles. He scored 100 goals in 272 matches.
Ronaldo Nazario
If there’s one footballer associated with the number 9, it’s Ronaldo. The Brazilian wore it since joining Real Madrid after the summer of 2002. Despite being plagued by injuries, he left a lasting impression during his time at Real Madrid. He scored 104 goals in 177 matches.
Roberto Soldado
The Real Madrid academy graduate had the opportunity to wear the number 9 jersey due to his excellent performances with the reserve team. He didn’t have a long stint in the first team but still showcased his qualities on the field on several occasions. However, he only managed to score 4 goals in 27 matches.
Javier Saviola
The Argentine forward is perhaps one of the lesser-known players to have worn the number 9 for Real Madrid. Released from FC Barcelona in 2007, he never quite established himself prominently at Madrid. Nevertheless, his goal-scoring instincts saw him wear the number 9 on numerous occasions. He scored 9 goals in 35 matches.
Cristiano Ronaldo
A Real Madrid legend. The Portuguese forward made a monumental impact in the club’s history. He shattered all individual goal-scoring records during his time at the club. He initially wore the number 9 in his first season before switching to the number 7 after Raúl’s departure. No one in the club’s history has scored more goals than the Portuguese forward: 450 goals in 438 matches wearing the white shirt.
Karim Benzema
Another legend of Real Madrid in this century. The Frenchman took over the attacking mantle following CR7’s departure and led Real Madrid to a Champions League title in 2022, famously known as the ‘remontada’ season. Over his 14 seasons at Madrid, he has become one of the club’s greatest players ever and a key figure in a period filled with success. With 354 goals in 648 matches, he sits second in the club’s all-time leading goal-scorers list.
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