Madrid, Spain – July 27, 2024 — Real Madrid has officially announced that their promising young forward, Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa, will don the No. 16 shirt for the upcoming season, according to AS. The decision comes after the recent high-profile acquisition of Kylian Mbappe, who has claimed the iconic No. 9 shirt following his transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.
The Brazilian teenager, who was bought from Palmeiras for €35 million on July 21, 2024, was initially slated to wear the No. 9 jersey—a number he previously wore at Palmeiras. However, Mbappe’s unveiling at the Bernabéu saw the French superstar take the coveted number, necessitating a change for Endrick.
Endrick’s Journey to Real Madrid
Endrick’s journey to Real Madrid has been nothing short of meteoric. Making his senior debut at just 16 with Palmeiras, he initially wore the No. 16 shirt before switching to his preferred No. 9. His time at Palmeiras was marked by significant contributions, including scoring crucial goals in both the Serie A and CONMEBOL Libertadores.
The 17-year-old striker will be officially unveiled on Saturday, a date aligned with his 18th birthday, which legally permits his departure from Palmeiras to the European giants. This transition echoes the path taken by many South American prodigies who have made their names in Europe.
Impact of Mbappe’s Transfer
Kylian Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid, meanwhile, has been one of the most talked-about transfers in recent years. Joining on a free transfer after his contract with PSG expired on July 1, 2024, Mbappe brings an impressive résumé to the Spanish capital. His accolades include:
- Winning the FIFA World Cup in 2018
- Multiple Ligue 1 titles
- Several domestic French cups
During his final season at PSG, he scored 27 goals and provided 7 assists in 29 Ligue 1 appearances, maintaining an exceptional rating of 7.917.
Real Madrid’s Formidable Squad
Real Madrid’s squad for the 2024-2025 season looks formidable, featuring talents like Thibaut Courtois, Éder Militão, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior. The arrival of both Mbappe and Endrick adds significant firepower to their attacking lineup, setting high expectations for the season ahead.
The team’s immediate fixtures include a high-stakes UEFA Super Cup Final against Atalanta on August 14, followed by their La Liga opener against Mallorca on August 18. Fans are eager to see how the new signings will gel with the existing squad.
Upcoming Fixtures
Real Madrid
- August 1: Real Madrid vs. AC Milan (Friendly)
- August 3: Barcelona vs. Real Madrid (Friendly)
- August 6: Chelsea vs. Real Madrid (Friendly)
- August 14: Real Madrid vs. Atalanta (UEFA Super Cup Final)
- August 18: Mallorca vs. Real Madrid (La Liga)
- August 25: Real Madrid vs. Valladolid (La Liga)
- August 29: Las Palmas vs. Real Madrid (La Liga)
- September 1: Real Madrid vs. Real Betis (La Liga)
Palmeiras
- July 27: Palmeiras vs. Vitoria (Serie A)
- August 4: Internacional vs. Palmeiras (Serie A)
- August 11: Flamengo vs. Palmeiras (Serie A)
- August 18: Palmeiras vs. Sao Paulo (Serie A)
- August 24: Palmeiras vs. Cuiaba (Serie A)
- September 1: Atletico Paranaense vs. Palmeiras (Serie A)
Endrick’s transition to Real Madrid marks a new chapter in his burgeoning career. The No. 16 shirt, which he wore during his early days at Palmeiras, may well become synonymous with his rise in European football. As Real Madrid continues to build on its legacy, the young Brazilian striker’s journey will be one to watch.
